The Detroit Lions paid up the 2023 preseason hoopla with a trip to the NFC Championship Game, where they lead 24-7 at halftime. Of course, they gave up their lead, losing 34-31 to the San Francisco 49ers.
General manager Brad Holmes has made it obvious that he does not believe in the “one player away” theory, but he did not completely discount the prospect of acquiring a “bigger fish” this offseason either. A small list of important offseason needs necessitates a huge move, which should not be ruled out or discounted outright.
Following the loss to San Francisco, head coach Dan Campbell admitted that could have been the only chance that set of players had to participate in or win a conference title game, go to the Super Bowl, and so on. He wasn’t entirely wrong, but the Lions aren’t going away anytime soon, so taking the necessary steps to reach (or win) a Super Bowl should be on the agenda. The Lions are currently in their Super Bowl window, which doesn’t last forever.
That is not to argue that problematic or reckless actions should be taken, and Holmes will never do such things regardless. But deliberate movements for players who fill a need and will fit with the Lions’ culture would be exactly up Holmes’ alley.
There aren’t many moves that would be significant enough to propel the Lions to the Super Bowl next season. However, these two movements (considered independently, one or the other, as both are unlikely to occur) meet the bill.
