Brad Holmes claimed this week at the Annual League Meetings that this offseason was the best free agency he’s had since taking over as general manager of the Detroit Lions in 2021 because they were able to sign all of their key targets.
Next, Holmes and the Lions will work on contract extensions for some of their own players, namely quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. This week, Lions head coach Dan Campbell stressed the importance of completing both transactions.
“Yeah, those are priorities,” Campbell explained. “Those are clearly priorities. I’m not going to delve into those, but there are definitely conversations going on.”
St. Brown, a fourth-round choice out of USC in 2021, has the third most receptions (315) and eighth most receiving yards (3,588) in the NFL’s first three seasons. Last year, he posted career highs with 119 receptions, 1,515 yards, and 10 touchdowns, earning All-Pro accolades.
Campbell said, “What doesn’t make him special?” when asked what makes St. Brown unique.
“Everything he does is what makes him who he is.” His work ethic, desire to be good, and determination to overcome. The quantity of footage he examines, the pre-practice warmup, and the post-practice regimen he follows.
“I mean, everything about him revolves on becoming the best player he can be. Becoming the best player he can be. He wants to be the best, and everything he does isn’t just lip service. He literally goes above and beyond to be the best, which is why.
“There is no secret. Simply stroll around with him. If you truly want to know what it’s like, try living with him for a while. Half of the males will say, ‘Well, I’m going to be fantastic,’ and then go and resign on Day 2 or Day 3. “This guy keeps going.”
Goff is entering his fourth season in Detroit, following a 2023 season in which he completed a career-high 67.3 percent of passes. He finished second in the NFL in passing yards (4,575), fourth in touchdown passes (30), and first in passing first downs (227). His play is the primary reason the Lions advanced to their first NFC championship game since 1991.
“I love this place,” Goff said in January, after the season ended. “We’ll see what happens as time goes on, but I love this place, Dan (Campbell), all of the coaches, and all of my teammates.”
“I’ve enjoyed every second of my time here and would like to stay longer. Again, I love Dan.
