Brad Holmes Declines Eagles’ First-Round Trade Offer, Stays Put to Draft Tyleik Williams

During the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes opted not to trade down, rejecting an offer from Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman. As seen in a behind-the-scenes video shared by the Eagles, Roseman was actively trying to trade up from the 31st pick and reached out to Holmes to gauge his interest.

“Hey, any interest in moving back?” Roseman asked during the call.

Holmes declined, leading Roseman to report back to his team, “That’s fair, I appreciate the honesty. Detroit, I just spoke to, they said no.”

Ultimately, Philadelphia pivoted and made a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, giving up a fifth-rounder to jump one spot. They used the No. 31 pick to take Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell.

Holmes, meanwhile, held firm at No. 28, selecting defensive lineman Tyleik Williams—a player the Lions clearly prioritized. Despite some trade-down interest, Holmes trusted his draft board and made his pick without compromise.

Key Takeaway:
This exchange highlights Holmes’ disciplined draft approach. While others maneuvered aggressively, he stayed true to his strategy, landing a player expected to contribute immediately to Detroit’s defense.