For this exercise, we asked Lions fans to assess how the team has performed in free agency by exploring the value of the players added and lost, how general manager Brad Holmes managed salary cap constraints, and whether they did a good job of setting up the team for the NFL Draft. Once they weighed the execution of those tasks, fans were asked to assign a grade to the overall free-agency process.
Let’s take a look at the results:
Just over half the fans gave the Lions an “A” or “B” grade, with 87% of the final grades being a “C” or better. Overall, I’d say those are pretty positive results, especially considering the Lions needed to move on from expensive veterans in favor of younger upside dice rolls. The strategy itself can be risky—even though it’s arguably necessary given the contract extensions expected in the near future—but most fans seem to be giving Holmes the benefit of the doubt, given his five-year track record with the Lions and the clear salary cap restrictions.
Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in Detroit Lions fans and fans across the country. If you want to get these surveys emailed to you weekly, you can sign up here.