Should the Lions Take a Chance on Joey Bosa?
Speculation became reality on Wednesday night when news broke that the Los Angeles Chargers are releasing veteran defensive end Joey Bosa. Given his age, injury history, and declining production—combined with the Chargers’ need to clear cap space—it wasn’t exactly a shocking move. Now, the conversation turns to where the former Pro Bowler might land.
The San Francisco 49ers, where his younger brother Nick is a superstar, seem like an obvious destination. However, any team in need of pass-rushing help could enter the mix—including the Detroit Lions.
Why the Lions Make Sense for Bosa
Detroit has an undeniable need at edge rusher this offseason. While the Lions acquired Za’Darius Smith at last year’s trade deadline, he never got a chance to play alongside Aidan Hutchinson due to injury. Even if Smith stays healthy in 2025, the Lions would still benefit from adding another proven pass rusher to the rotation.
CBS Sports’ John Breech recently named the Lions as a logical landing spot for Bosa, citing their lack of pass-rushing depth:
“The Lions don’t really have any strong pass-rushers outside of Aidan Hutchinson and that became a problem after Hutchinson went down… Hutchinson led the team in sacks last season even though he only played in FIVE games. Hutchinson finished with 7.5 sacks while no other player on the team finished with more than four.”
That’s a fair assessment. Detroit’s pass rush struggled last season, and adding a veteran like Bosa—if healthy—could provide a boost.
The Case Against Signing Bosa
While Bosa’s name still carries weight, his recent production raises concerns. Despite earning his fifth Pro Bowl nod in 2024, it wasn’t exactly based on elite play—he recorded just five sacks in 14 games. That matches the number of games he played in the previous two seasons combined, as injuries have plagued him in recent years. With his 30th birthday approaching, durability remains a serious question mark.
Even if he comes at a discount, there’s no guarantee he’d be an impact player in Detroit. Having Hutchinson on the other side would theoretically help free him up, but he already played alongside Khalil Mack in Los Angeles and still saw his production dip.
The Lions should certainly be exploring options to add a veteran edge rusher, but they aren’t desperate enough to take a gamble on a player whose best days may be behind him. If Bosa is willing to sign a team-friendly deal, he could be worth considering. Otherwise, Detroit might be better off looking elsewhere for pass-rush reinforcements.
Lions + Bosa? Detroit Is a Natural Fit for the Star Pass Rusher
