By Daniel 
L
ions’ Free Agency Moves: Why Dennis Gardeck Could Be a Perfect Fit
The Detroit Lions haven’t been super active in the 2025 free agency scene, which isn’t much of a surprise. D.J. Reed’s been their biggest signing so far, and aside from that, the most notable move was letting go of edge rusher Za’Darius Smith.
When it comes to releasing Smith, GM Brad Holmes explained it by saying “we couldn’t afford it,” especially with the bonus money Smith was due early in the year. There’s still a chance Smith could return to the team, but it doesn’t seem likely at this point.
Holmes has been focusing on the big contract extensions the Lions will have to deal with soon, which is why they’re not splurging on free agents this offseason. But the bulk of those big contracts won’t really affect the cap this year, or maybe even next year. So if the Lions make any more moves, it’s probably going to be for some bargain players who are still available after the main free agency frenzy.
Dennis Gardeck: A Possible Perfect Fit
One name that keeps coming up as a good option for the Lions is Dennis Gardeck, an edge rusher from the Arizona Cardinals. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox thinks Gardeck could be a solid addition, especially with Aidan Hutchinson coming back and the Lions still needing someone to complement him on the other side.
Gardeck is coming off a torn ACL, which limited him to just seven games last season. But in 2023, he had six sacks and put a lot of pressure on quarterbacks. He’s been more of a situational rusher in his career, but his stats three sacks last season and six in 2023 show that he can contribute when he’s on the field.
Before free agency started, Holmes mentioned looking at a couple of Arizona free agents after their Week 3 matchup last season. The Lions ended up signing defensive tackle Roy Lopez from Arizona, and he impressed in that game. Gardeck had an interception in that same game, so he might still be on the Lions’ radar.
If the Lions don’t bring back Smith or sign someone like Von Miller to boost their pass rush, Gardeck could end up being a solid, cheap option.