The Detroit Lions may still look to the NFL Draft for a young edge rusher, but that doesn’t mean they’re done exploring veteran help. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the team recently hosted defensive end DeMarcus Walker, a move that could help shore up one of the Lions’ biggest needs before draft weekend even kicks off.
Walker, 30, has 26.5 career sacks and brings a mix of experience and production that could slot in nicely as part of a rotation. While he didn’t set the world on fire as a starter in Chicago, he proved in previous stops with Denver and Tennessee that he can be a real problem off the edge when used strategically. And with no signs of a blockbuster deal for someone like Trey Hendrickson, this type of mid-tier addition might be exactly what Detroit needs.
Adding a player like Walker could allow GM Brad Holmes to stay flexible with his draft board. Instead of reaching early for a pass rusher out of necessity, the Lions could look to pair a rookie with a healthy Aidan Hutchinson, bounce-back candidate Marcus Davenport, and a proven vet like Walker. That’s a much stronger unit than what Detroit finished last season with, especially after dealing with a wave of injuries.
There’s still time to make a move before the draft—and if the Lions want to fill this hole the smart way, a low-risk signing like DeMarcus Walker might be the next piece to fall into place.
Lions Eye Veteran Pass Rusher DeMarcus Walker Ahead of Draft
