By Sunday 
The Detroit Lions enter the 2025 season with high expectations. After finishing last year with a remarkable 15-2 record, they’ve cemented themselves as one of the NFL’s most dangerous teams. But while the offense looks sharp and ready, there’s one glaring issue on the defensive side of the ball: the pass rush.
The Hutchinson Dilemma
Outside of Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions don’t really have a go-to player who can consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. And in today’s NFC — filled with explosive offenses — that’s a problem Detroit can’t afford to ignore if they’re serious about chasing a Super Bowl.
Insider Sounds the Alarm
Colton Pouncy of The Athletic doesn’t expect the Lions to head into Week 1 without making a move. In fact, he dropped a pretty direct hint:
“It really feels like they need someone else who has experience … At this point, I’d be surprised if they enter the season without an addition of some sort — but it’s getting concerning.”
That “someone” could very well be a familiar face.
A Za’Darius Smith Reunion?
One name that keeps coming up is Za’Darius Smith, who played for the Lions late last season. Despite posting nine sacks overall in 2024, Smith remains a free agent. Oddly enough, the Lions cut him after the campaign — but given their current situation, a reunion might make a lot of sense.
Other Veteran Options
If Smith isn’t the answer, there are still veterans out there. Jadeveon Clowney, the former No. 1 overall pick, has bounced around the league but has managed to stay productive. He’s another name Detroit could bring in to immediately bolster their defensive front.
The Bottom Line
Detroit’s defense doesn’t need to be perfect — their offense is strong enough to carry them through plenty of games. But if they want to hoist the Lombardi Trophy, they can’t roll into the season with a pedestrian pass rush.
One big move could make all the difference.