The Detroit Lions are riding high after a 15-2 season, but let’s be real — they’re not bulletproof heading into 2025. Between losing both coordinators (Ben Johnson to the Bears and Aaron Glenn to the Jets) and saying goodbye to some key starters, this team has some questions to answer before September.
Bleacher Report just dropped an offseason to-do list for the Lions, and the biggest takeaway? The defensive line still needs help.
Yeah, Aidan Hutchinson is a beast, no doubt. But there are real concerns about depth and production beyond him — especially with Hutch nursing an injury. If he’s not at full strength, Detroit might struggle to get after the quarterback consistently.
That’s why the idea of adding another pass rusher is still very much on the table. Whether it’s a blockbuster trade for someone like Bengals star Trey Hendrickson or bringing back veteran Za’Darius Smith, the Lions need another difference-maker up front.
B/R also emphasized the importance of locking in Hutchinson long-term with an extension — something Brad Holmes would be smart to handle before prices go up even more.
And then there’s the coordinator situation. New DC Kelvin Sheppard will try to keep things familiar schematically, but he also needs to put his own stamp on the defense. If it’s too vanilla or lacks the creativity Aaron Glenn brought, this unit could take a step back.
Bottom line: Detroit’s offense might be reshuffling, but the defense is where the season could be won or lost. A healthy Hutch and a strong showing from Sheppard could put the Lions right back in the Super Bowl conversation — but only if they make that final move to shore up the D-line.
Detroit’s Super Bowl Hopes Could Hinge on One More Defensive Move
