By Sunday 
Finding a Short-Term Solution to Strengthen the Pass Rush
The Detroit Lions entered the offseason with hopes of securing a high-impact edge rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson. However, as top free-agent pass rushers quickly signed elsewhere, and no serious trade interest materialized for players like Trey Hendrickson, Detroit now faces a critical decision: should they wait until the draft or bring in a stopgap veteran?
A “bridge” edge rusher—a short-term solution often used at the quarterback position—could be exactly what the Lions need. With Marcus Davenport penciled in as the starter opposite Hutchinson, and his history of injuries and inconsistent production, the team cannot afford to rely solely on him as they push for a Super Bowl run in 2025.
Draft Uncertainty Calls for Veteran Insurance
While the upcoming draft features promising edge rushers, most prospects available at pick No. 28 come with significant risks. Proven college production is scarce beyond top prospects like Abdul Carter and Mike Green, both of whom are expected to be selected long before the Lions are on the clock.
If Detroit opts to draft a raw prospect with upside or chooses to delay its search for a long-term edge rusher until 2026, adding a seasoned veteran on a short-term deal would provide much-needed stability.
Veteran Edge Rushers Who Could Fit the Lions’ Needs
Several experienced pass rushers remain available, and any one of them could provide Detroit with a reliable presence opposite Hutchinson.
- Za’Darius Smith: The most obvious choice is simply bringing back Smith, who was released after finishing the 2024 season with four sacks in eight games for Detroit. At 32, he proved he can still produce, finishing the season with nine total sacks.
- Preston Smith: Another intriguing option is Smith, who thrived in the NFC North with the Green Bay Packers. While his production dipped last season (4.5 sacks), he has consistently been an eight-sack-per-year player when given sufficient snaps.
- Carl Lawson: A steady, if unspectacular, option, Lawson has notched at least five sacks in five of his seven NFL seasons. Given that only Hutchinson hit that mark for Detroit last year, Lawson’s affordability and reliability could make him a smart addition.
- Emmanuel Ogbah: Similar to Lawson, Ogbah offers steady production and would likely be available on a low-cost deal.
A Smart Move for a Super Bowl Contender
With no clear high-end solution available, the Lions should prioritize signing a veteran edge rusher who can contribute immediately. This approach would give the team flexibility heading into the draft while ensuring their defense doesn’t take a step back in 2025.
Detroit has already made significant strides in building a championship-caliber roster. Now, securing a reliable pass-rushing presence could be the final piece to solidifying their defense.