ALLEN PARK -- Brad Holmes made it clear Thursday morning that the Detroit Lions won’t hand out roster spots just to hit a number.

Earlier this week, all 32 NFL teams finalized their 53-man rosters for the new season. Detroit’s list came in at 50 players -- two fewer than the 52 they carried into last year’s opener.

“First of all, the players that make the team make the team. We don’t say, ‘Well, who are the first three out? Let’s put them on the team.’ That’s not how it works around here,” Holmes said. “We had 50 guys make the team. That shows how the roster has grown. But it also gives us flexibility when it comes to trades, waiver claims, and possible external additions.

“You don’t have to worry about releasing somebody you were planning to keep. That flexibility is important.”

The d

See Full Page