Brad Holmes: 'We're Not Putting a Timestamp' on Rebuild

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes appeared on 97.1 The Ticket Tuesday, and discussed the team's rebuild timetable.

Optimism is high, among fans and pundits alike, for the Detroit Lions entering the 2022 campaign. And, this is the case, despite the fact that the Lions finished a dismal 3-13-1 a season ago, in the first year of the Dan Campbell-Brad Holmes era.

The above record hasn't done anything to diminish the faith the fanbase has placed in this year's version of the Campbell-led squad, however. It's something that Holmes appreciates, as he conveyed Tuesday on 97.1 The Ticket, the flagship radio station of the Lions. 

"This fanbase, this city, they deserve it, like they deserve belief, they deserve hope," Holmes said on the "Stoney and Jansen with Heather" show on 97.1 The Ticket. "But, at the same time, we only won three games. So, we got to hold up our end, and deliver. But, it's much appreciated, and I'm happy the fans have hope for what we're doing."

The increased level of optimism surrounding the franchise has subsequently led to added pressure on the shoulders of Campbell and Holmes to quickly turn the fortunes of the Lions around. And, if that weren't enough pressure, the progress the team has made from last year to this season will be documented throughout training camp, via the critically-acclaimed HBO series "Hard Knocks". 

Holmes expressed on 97.1 The Ticket that he's excited for the opportunity, presented by Hard Knocks, to display the positive culture that has been established in Detroit over the last year.

"We're very proud of the culture that we have in place here, and in the direction that we're headed in," Holmes commented. "Look, we're excited for the world to see it. You know, you kind of start in free agency, just this past free agency, and you're talking to agents and you're trying to get things done. And, we're not trying to sell the culture. But, Dan and I often say, 'Just ask the players on our team.' You know, ask the players that aren't on our team that were with us last year. But, I'm glad that the rest of the world is going to be able to see the direction that we're headed in and the culture we have in place." 

Kirthmon F. Dozier, USA TODAY NETWORK

The Lions do appear to be headed in the right direction, and it's not just because of the positive vibes that have permeated Allen Park. 

Even more importantly, Holmes & Co. have made a concerted effort to beef up the team's 53-man roster. Most notably, this past offseason, the front office upgraded the receivers room, adding veteran wideout DJ Chark in free agency and Alabama speedster Jameson Williams via the draft. It also added some much-needed help to its pass-rushing unit, drafting Michigan EDGE Aidan Hutchinson with the No. 2 overall pick and Kentucky EDGE Josh Paschal in the second round.

It's been a talent overhaul for the franchise. Yet, Holmes isn't willing to provide a timetable for when the organization is going to be able to transition from its rebuild to winning NFC North division crowns.

"You know, look, we're not putting a timestamp on it," Holmes expressed. "We kind of attack every single day. But, you know, look, we're going to stay aggressive. That's what Dan and I, that's what we believe in. We're not scared, and so, it's not a long, methodical, like, let's just take it slow (process). Look, man, let's just add the best guys. We have a phenomenal coaching staff that can accelerate development, and we're very fortunate that way."