Will the Lions Make a Big Move for an Edge Rusher? Here’s What to Expect
The Detroit Lions came into the 2024 season believing they had built a championship-caliber roster. And for most of the year, they looked the part. But after another playoff disappointment, it’s clear they still have areas to improve—most notably, their pass rush.
Despite playing less than five full games due to injury, Aidan Hutchinson still led the team in sacks. That’s both a testament to his dominance and an indictment of Detroit’s lack of production from other pass rushers. Midseason acquisition Za’Darius Smith was second on the team in sacks, but beyond him, the Lions didn’t get nearly enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
That makes edge rusher one of the biggest priorities for general manager Brad Holmes this offseason. The question is: Will Detroit go all-in on a superstar, or will they take a more calculated approach?
Could the Lions Swing Big for an Elite Edge Rusher?
ESPN’s Dan Graziano recently examined salary cap-related questions for every NFL team, and for the Lions, the biggest question was obvious: Do they have the cap space to make a major move at edge rusher, or are they more likely to take a low-risk approach?
The answer, according to Graziano, is both.
“The Lions are absolutely fine on cap space and could bring in a big-name edge rusher (cough Myles Garrett cough) if they want—even with superstar Aidan Hutchinson coming back from his leg injury and extension-eligible. They’re in a win-now window with most of their other key guys locked in long term. So yes, it’s not wild to imagine a splash signing.”
That means if Detroit truly wanted to, they could pursue a blockbuster move for someone like Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, or even Trey Hendrickson. However, as Graziano points out, such a move would be uncharacteristic of the Holmes-Dan Campbell regime, which has prioritized strategic roster-building over splashy acquisitions.
The Lions have the cap space to sign a high-end free agent like Josh Sweat, but the bigger question is whether they’d be willing to part with the draft capital needed to land a superstar via trade.
A More Likely Approach? Retaining Za’Darius Smith and Adding Depth
Instead of making a massive move, the Lions could opt for a more measured approach by bringing back Za’Darius Smith while adding another edge rusher through free agency or the draft.
Smith is still under contract, but his deal would need to be restructured to make sense for Detroit’s future cap plans. Given how effective he was in limited time last season, keeping him on a team-friendly deal would be a logical move.
As Neil Ruhl of Woodward Sports pointed out, we haven’t even seen Hutchinson and Smith play together yet. That duo alone could be a formidable pass-rushing combination, and if Detroit adds another quality rusher in free agency or the draft, they might not need to swing for a superstar.
What Should Lions Fans Expect?
While it’s fun to dream about landing a game-wrecking edge rusher like Myles Garrett or Maxx Crosby, history suggests the Lions will take a more balanced approach. That likely means bringing back Smith, signing a solid-but-affordable veteran, and potentially drafting a young pass rusher to develop alongside Hutchinson.
Lions fans might have to be patient, but Holmes and Campbell have shown they know how to build a contender. If they can find the right additions to boost the pass rush, Detroit’s defense could take the next step in 2025.
What do you think? Should the Lions make a big move, or take a more measured approach? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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