Brad Holmes isn't the kind of guy to sit on his hands. We know this by now. He’s built a reputation in Detroit for being surgical, sometimes even cold, when it comes to roster construction. After a 2025 season that saw the Detroit Lions finish 9-8 and miss the postseason, the "Super Bowl or bust" energy has shifted into something more urgent. Honestly, the locker room feels like it's at a crossroads.
The chatter around Detroit Lions trades and rumors is currently peaking because the team is facing some brutal realities in the trenches and the backfield. We’re talking about potential retirements of franchise pillars and the possible exit of a fan-favorite running back. It’s not just smoke this time.
The David Montgomery Trade Talk: End of "Sonic and Knuckles"?
The most jarring news to hit the wire lately is that the Lions are open to trading David Montgomery. Yeah, you read that right. Brad Holmes recently admitted that the team will have "conversations" about Montgomery's future.
It sounds crazy. Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs were one of only two RB duos to put up 700+ yards and 6+ touchdowns each last season. They are the engine of the offense. But if you look at the 2025 tape, the split became lopsided. Gibbs played 713 snaps; Montgomery played 395.
Montgomery is a beast, but he’s due a $5.49 million base salary in 2026. For a team that is currently projected to be in the red for "effective cap space," that’s a luxury. Holmes mentioned he wants David to be in a situation where his skills are "utilized." That’s GM-speak for: "He’s too good to be a backup, and we can’t afford to pay a backup $5 million."
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If a trade happens, expect a cap hit of about $6 million for the acquiring team. The Lions would likely look for a mid-round pick and then hunt for a cheaper power-back in the draft to complement Gibbs.
The Crisis at Center: Life After Frank Ragnow
Frank Ragnow is staying retired. There was a brief moment of hope when rumors swirled about an "un-retirement," but a failed physical earlier this month put that to bed. To make matters worse, Graham Glasgow is a cut candidate and might just hang it up himself.
This leaves a massive, gaping hole in the middle of what used to be the league's best offensive line. Brad Holmes has been vocal about this. He knows he can’t ignore it.
Three Trade Targets to Watch
- Hjalte Froholdt (Cardinals): He’s 29, so it’s a short-term fix. But the guy is a mauler in the run game. He allowed only one sack in 2025. Rumor is he could be had for a 2026 sixth-round pick.
- Tyler Biadasz (Commanders): Washington might be looking to shed his contract. He’s a consistent starter who could stabilize the interior immediately.
- Joe Tippmann (Jets): This is the dream. He’s only 24. If the Jets decide to stick with Josh Myers at center, Tippmann becomes the best long-term trade option on the market. It would probably cost Detroit a fourth-round pick, but it solves the problem for years.
Taylor Decker and the Left Tackle Looming Question
Taylor Decker is taking a few months to decide on his future. He’s been a Lion for ten years. He’s played through a shoulder injury that would have sidelined most guys. If he retires, the Detroit Lions trades and rumors mill is going to explode.
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Giovanni Manu was drafted as the "heir apparent," but the front office has been honest: he’s not ready. He’s still a developmental project. If Decker walks, Holmes will be forced to spend big in free agency or move up in the draft. The Lions are currently sitting at pick No. 17. That’s a prime spot for a tackle, but is it enough to replace a veteran like Decker? Probably not without some veteran insurance.
Why the 2026 Draft Capital is Thin
You might be wondering why the Lions don't just trade their way out of every problem. Well, Holmes already spent some of that "funny money." To get wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa in the 2025 draft, the Lions sent two 2026 third-rounders to Jacksonville.
That hurts. Third-rounders are the sweet spot for finding starting guards and centers. Without them, the Lions have to be much more creative. They are projected to get some compensatory picks—potentially a third-rounder for losing Aaron Glenn to the Jets—but those aren't guaranteed to be enough to fix a crumbling offensive line.
The Defensive Rebuild: Is Anzalone Gone?
Alex Anzalone has been the heartbeat of Dan Campbell’s defense. But he’s 31. He’s an unrestricted free agent. Word on the street is that it’s a 50-50 toss-up if he returns.
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The Lions gave Derrick Barnes a decent extension, and Jack Campbell is coming off an All-Pro season. The math just doesn't favor paying an aging linebacker when the offensive line is on fire. Don't be surprised if Anzalone ends up in a place like Chicago or Washington where they have the cash to overpay for leadership.
Actionable Insights for Lions Fans
The next few months are going to be a rollercoaster. If you're tracking the Detroit Lions trades and rumors, keep your eyes on these specific markers:
- Watch the Pre-Draft Visits: If the Lions are hosting a lot of interior offensive linemen, it means they don't plan on trading for a veteran like Froholdt.
- The Montgomery "Dead Zone": If Montgomery is still on the roster by the start of the new league year in March, his trade value drops. Expect a move (or a definitive "staying" announcement) before then.
- Goff's Contract: Expect a massive restructure for Jared Goff. He has a $70 million cap hit looming. Converting that into a signing bonus is the only way Holmes can afford to bring in a high-end replacement for Decker or Ragnow.
The window is still open, but the glass is getting a bit thin. Holmes has a massive job ahead to ensure the 2026 season doesn't look like another step backward. Stay tuned to the transaction wire—this roster will look very different by August.
Check the official Lions transaction page regularly as the new league year approaches to see which "Reserve/Future" signings actually make the jump to the active roster.