The Detroit Lions came up short in the 2024 playoffs once again and enter the offseason with a glaring need they must address to take the next step next season.
Despite playing fewer than five games, Aidan Hutchinson still led the team in sacks, with midseason acquisition Za’Darius Smith finishing second.
One way or another, adding pass-rushing help will be a priority this offseason. And if history is any indication, Lions general manager Brad Holmes won’t overlook such a clear need. This year, that top priority is securing an edge rusher.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano examined a key salary cap question for each NFL team, and for the Lions, the focus was clear.
“Do the Lions have the cap space to make a major move for an edge rusher, or are they more likely to take a low-risk, dart-throw approach?”
Technically, that’s two questions, as Graziano pointed out, but he also provided straightforward answers to both.
The answer to both questions is yes. The Lions have plenty of cap space and could pursue a high-profile edge rusher (Myles Garrett, perhaps?) if they choose—especially with Aidan Hutchinson returning from his leg injury and eligible for an extension.
With most of their core players locked into long-term deals, Detroit is firmly in a win-now window, making a big signing a real possibility. However, such a move would be somewhat out of character for this front office.
Given the strategic and calculated approach under Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes, a more likely scenario is re-signing Za’Darius Smith.
The Lions have enough cap space to trade for Myles Garrett or sign a free agent like Josh Sweat.
However, when it comes to the trade market, the real question is whether they’d be willing to part with the necessary draft capital to acquire a player like Garrett, Maxx Crosby, or Trey Hendrickson. As Graziano pointed out, making such a bold move would be out of character for Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell.
Related: 5 Detroit Lions Edge Rusher Trade Targets Not Named Myles Garrett
Za’Darius Smith’s contract will likely be restructured for 2025, but re-signing him seems probable, along with adding a lower-risk free agent or a draft pick.
As Neil Ruhl of Woodward Sports noted, the Lions have yet to see Smith and Aidan Hutchinson play together, which could factor into their decision on adding another big-name pass rusher.