BREAKING NEWS: Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes declined chance to trade down in the first round of 2025 NFL Draft

During the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center, Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes addressed the media.

On the opening night of the 2025 NFL Draft, Holmes received a call from the Philadelphia Eagles. Their GM, Howie Roseman—widely regarded as one of the top executives in the league—was actively contacting multiple teams in hopes of trading up in the first round.

A recently released behind-the-scenes video shows Roseman making several unsuccessful attempts to move up in the draft order. In a conversation with Holmes, he asked if the Lions were open to trading back. Holmes responded that while there had been some interest, the team felt strongly about selecting Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams and chose to keep their pick.

Roseman later recounted in the Eagles’ draft room, “Detroit just told me no,” acknowledging Holmes’ transparency. Speaking to team owner Jeffrey Lurie, Roseman expressed frustration over the difficulty in finding a willing trade partner.

The Washington Commanders also declined a trade, indicating they would require a premium—or “in-division tax”—to move out of their No. 29 spot. They eventually stayed put and drafted offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr.

Ultimately, Philadelphia managed to strike a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, trading a fifth-round pick to move up one slot from No. 32 to No. 31. With the pick, they selected Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, a player Roseman considered well worth the cost.

The Chiefs used the final pick of the first round to draft Ohio State offensive lineman Josh Simmons.

John Maakaron, a veteran journalist covering Detroit sports since 2013, has extensive experience reporting on teams like the Tigers, Lions, Wolverines, Spartans, Titans, and Golden Grizzlies. He founded the Detroit Sports Podcast Network, has produced over 3,000 sports-related podcasts, and partnered with Sports Illustrated Media Group in 2019 to deliver daily Lions content. His work also appears in The Oakland newspaper, reflecting his strong passion for Detroit spot.