Brad Holmes Has Built Such a Deep Safety Room He Might Have to Trade Somebody
This is the kind of problem you dream about when you have spent the better part of two decades watching Matt Millen whiff on first-round picks. The Lions have so many capable safeties right now that other teams may start calling to see if Brad Holmes wants to turn depth into draft picks. This is what good franchises do. They create problems of abundance, not scarcity.
Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are the starters when healthy. Everyone knows that. But right now, there is real optimism both could be ready by Week 1. Dan Campbell was asked about Branch recently and said there have been no setbacks. He is putting in the work. Campbell would not commit to a specific timetable, but said Branch could be back by training camp.
Then there is video of Branch on the field in cleats and gloves getting some work in. That is not the posture of a guy whose season is in jeopardy.
Kerby Joseph Looks Fine Too
Joseph is more of a question mark simply because we do not have as much information. But again, vibes matter. And nobody around this team is acting like Joseph’s career is in flux or his availability is uncertain. He showed up in uniform this week looking comfortable and ready. You do not get that kind of body language from a guy who is worried about his health.
If both Branch and Joseph are there in Week 1, that leaves the Lions with four more starting-caliber safeties sitting behind them. Not a lot of teams can say that. Which is exactly why Holmes might start getting phone calls.
Who Would the Lions Actually Move
Christian Izien and Thomas Harper are probably untouchable. Both are young, developing, and offer positional versatility. Holmes did not bring them in just to flip them for a late-round pick.
Chuck Clark is a veteran presence with real value. Avonte Maddox is the same, and probably has more trade appeal if the Lions decided to move someone. You could see a scenario where another team offers a sixth or seventh-round pick for Maddox. It is not a haul, but it is something they did not have before.
And here is the key part: just because the Lions might get offers does not mean they will actually do anything. Holmes is not in the business of creating holes to solve math problems. This is a wait-and-see situation until the end of August when roster cutdowns happen. If someone makes a compelling offer, fine. If not, you keep the depth and sleep well knowing you have six guys who could start at safety if needed.
This is what winning organizations look like. They stockpile talent until other teams come asking. They do not panic and trade guys just to clear space. They let the market come to them. Brad Holmes has built that kind of roster. It is a damn good place to be.
Would you trade Maddox for a late-round pick or keep the depth and dare someone to get hurt? Let me know in the comments.
