As the Lions gear up for training camp, one position remains a top priority: edge rusher. There’s Aidan Hutchinson, of course—but behind him? Depth is thin, and Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox thinks Detroit needs to act fast before the Bears beat them to the punch.
Step one is working out a contract extension with Hutchinson. That’s a given. But step two? Adding another legit pass rusher—either by bringing back Za’Darius Smith (who they let go earlier this offseason) or making a splash move for someone like Bengals standout Trey Hendrickson.
Chicago’s already lurking. If the Bears snag a free agent like Smith, Matt Judon, or Jadeveon Clowney—especially Clowney, who’s been the most productive lately—it could give them a big boost where they’re currently weakest.
If Hendrickson actually becomes available in a trade, that would be a dream addition for Detroit. Pairing him with Hutchinson could give the Lions one of the nastiest edge duos in the league. But there’s a catch: Hendrickson and Hutchinson both want new deals, and the Lions’ cap space is already feeling tight thanks to big-money extensions for Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Most likely? Detroit brings back someone familiar like Smith. But if the Bears get aggressive, the Lions can’t afford to sit back and wait. The arms race in the NFC North is heating up—and it may come down to which team adds that final defensive piece first.
Lions Urged to Strike Fast for Edge Help Before Bears Make a Move
