4-Time Pro Bowler Could Be the Answer to the Lions’ Edge Rush Problem

The Detroit Lions have made serious progress on defense in recent seasons, but there’s still one glaring weakness that can’t be ignored — depth at edge rusher.

With veteran Za’Darius Smith no longer in the picture after an offseason departure, Detroit once again finds itself leaning heavily on Aidan Hutchinson. As talented and dominant as Hutchinson is, even the best need support — and right now, the Lions don’t have much to rotate on the other side.

With the NFL Draft still a few weeks away, the team has an interesting decision to make: wait for a rookie to develop, or add an experienced playmaker who can help immediately. One name that continues to generate buzz? Matthew Judon.

Why Judon Could Be the Right Fit in Detroit

Let’s not pretend Judon is still at his peak. The 4-time Pro Bowler isn’t the same force who posted back-to-back double-digit sack seasons just a few years ago. But what he does offer — and what Detroit could really use — is experience, leadership, and grit.

At 31, Judon played a full 17-game season for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. His stat line: 5.5 sacks and 25 quarterback pressures. Not headline-grabbing, but given he was coming off an injury-ridden 2023, his availability alone was impressive.

Paired with Hutchinson, Judon wouldn’t need to be the star — just a steady, reliable contributor. And frankly, that might be all it takes to spark something special on this already ascending defense.

A Potential Bargain Deal

What makes Judon even more appealing is his price tag. According to Spotrac, he’s projected to sign a two-year contract worth around $8.4 million. That’s just $4.2 million per year for a seasoned edge rusher with multiple Pro Bowl nods to his name.

In today’s NFL, that’s a bargain — especially for a Lions squad looking to contend now while staying financially smart in the long term.

The Real Value: Veteran Presence

Judon isn’t coming in to carry the defense or put up 15 sacks. That’s Hutchinson’s job. But what he could bring to the locker room — and the field — is equally important. Snaps that keep Hutchinson fresh. Leadership for younger players. Big plays in crunch time.

It’s not about star power. It’s about rounding out a defense that’s just a few pieces away from being elite.

Judon’s résumé speaks volumes. He’s been there, done that, and still has gas left in the tank. For GM Brad Holmes, this could be one of those under-the-radar moves that pays major dividends in December and January.

So the question is: should the Lions roll the dice on a low-cost, high-upside veteran?

Lions fans — can you picture Matthew Judon suiting up in Honolulu blue?