The Detroit Lions have made a significant move by releasing edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, and now the attention turns to who they might target to replace him. According to NFL insider, Ian Rapoport, the Lions have three potential targets in mind.
The first target is none other than Yannick Ngakoue, a talented edge rusher who has been one of the most consistent pass rushers in the league over the past few seasons. Ngakoue has recorded at least 8 sacks in each of the past 6 seasons and has been a key contributor to several teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars and Minnesota Vikings.
The second target is Marcus Davenport, a former first-round pick who has shown flashes of brilliance during his time with the New Orleans Saints. Davenport has struggled with injuries, but when healthy, he has demonstrated the ability to be a dominant edge rusher.
The third target is Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, a talented edge rusher who has spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Rams. Okoronkwo has been a key contributor to the Rams’ defense, recording 5 sacks and 11 quarterback hits last season.
All three of these targets would be excellent additions to the Lions’ defense, and would help to replace the pass rush production lost with the release of Za’Darius Smith. However, it’s worth noting that the Lions will likely face competition for these players, as they are all highly sought after.
The Lions’ decision to release Smith was likely a financial one, as he was set to count $14.5 million against the cap. By releasing him, the Lions saved $10 million in cap space, which they can now use to pursue other free agents.
It’s clear that the Lions are committed to building a strong defense, and they are willing to make moves to achieve that goal. With these three targets in mind, the Lions are poised to make a significant upgrade to their pass rush, and set themselves up for success in the 2025 season.