By Adeniyi Precious 
The Detroit Lions have been making moves this offseason, but there’s still one major issue they need to address before the 2025 NFL Draft.
Detroit’s Rollercoaster Season
Coming off their first NFC North Championship in 2023, the Lions had high hopes for 2024. They smashed records, winning 15 games and claiming another division title. But when it mattered most, injuries piled up, and rookie QB Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders knocked them out of the playoffs.
Now, Detroit is trying to reload and make another Super Bowl push. They’ve made some key signings, but there’s still one glaring need.
Biggest Free Agency Splash: DJ Reed Joins the Squad
One of the biggest questions for the Lions heading into free agency was whether they’d keep cornerback Carlton Davis III. After a strong season in Detroit, Davis made it clear he wasn’t taking a discount. The New England Patriots gave him a three-year, $60 million deal, and just like that, he was gone.
The Lions quickly pivoted, landing former Jets corner DJ Reed on a three-year, $48 million contract with $32 million guaranteed. Reed’s signing was one of the better moves in early free agency, giving Detroit a solid replacement in the secondary.
But while they filled the CB1 role, another position remains a big concern.
Who’s Going to Help Aidan Hutchinson?
Detroit has made a few depth signings, bringing in TE Kenny Yeboah, interior lineman Roy Lopez, and linebacker Grant Stuard. They also re-signed Marcus Davenport after an injury-shortened season.
But the pass rush? Still a major hole.
The Lions released Za’Darius Smith before free agency, and they haven’t brought in a legitimate edge rusher to play alongside Aidan Hutchinson. Meanwhile, big names like Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, and Azeez Ojulari have already signed elsewhere.
If Detroit wants to seriously compete for a Super Bowl, they can’t ignore the pass rush. The Eagles showed last season how important a dominant defensive front is. The Lions have the offense to win it all—but they need another playmaker on defense to get them over the hump.
With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, that has to be their top priority.