I've said before, the Lions is the model we're hoping to copy.
First season under a new GM/HC in 2021 led to a three win season - hell they didn't win until week 13. Followed that up with a winning season and narrowly missed out on the play-offs. Step one, cut out the deadwood, let expensive FAs leave and replaced with servicable but cheaper guys, build an identity, and position themselves well for future drafts
Whether we manage to do the same is yet to be seen.
Was just about to say something similar.
When Brad Holmes took over in 2021 they moved on from Stafford. Their offseason FA signings were,
Tyrell Williams - 1 year
Jamaal Williams - 2 years
Tim Boyle - 1 year
Breshad Perriman - 1 year
Randy Bullock - 1 year
Charles Harris - 2 years
Kalif Raymond - 1 year
Alex Anzalone - 1 year
Damion Ratley - 1 year
Corn Elder - 1 year
Quinton Dunbar - 1 year
Dean Marlowe - 1 year
Darren Fells - 1 year
Hardly a fantastic bunch of talent.
It's impossible to restructure how the team does it's business and change the culture and be good at the same time. And the Lions didn't have a QB with an ACL tear to contend with.
The saddest part about this offseason ranting is that it's some of the smartest people here showing the least amount of patience. The same people who for years have been saying it needs tearing down are now complaining we're tearing it down.
Having built a foundation through the draft with players like Sewell, Williams, Joseph, Pascal, Rodriguez, McNiell and St Brown they are now in a position to splash in free agency which is what you have seen this offseason.
For me it's refreshing that Monti and Gannon especially are in this for the long haul. It's very easy for a new HC to feel pressured to win, for their own personal pride as much as anything. These guys are where they are because of their competitiveness. But you also have to be realistic and it's better to sacrifice wins this year for more in the future.
People here have been saying "You can change the culture if you lose" which is obvious nonsense. Look at the Lions. They were 4-19 up to week 7 of this year under Campbell but the culture change has been obvious for some time.
I still expect a bunch of FA moves to come but it's going to be like the deals above. A bunch of 1-2 year mid tier guys.