If the Lions really want a premier pass rusher this offseason, here's why Khalil Mack makes the most sense both short term and long term

So here's where we're sitting with the Detroit Lions right now. There's this feeling in the air that the Lions need to make a huge move on the edge to help Aidan Hutchinson and win the Super Bowl in 2025. 

Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby are the guys that Lions fans really want, but either they can't happen, or the Lions don't want to make the move. The problem with both is that you then have to find a way to pay those players while also looking to keep the players you want. Of course, you also lose the draft assets. Lions GM Brad Holmes just talked about this at the NFL Combine. 

The Lions might be able to acquire a premier player without losing draft assets or committing to a lot of future money, and that option involves going the Khalil Mack route. 

Mack is on the older side at 34, but his production has not slowed much. In 2024, he had a Pro Bowl season, during which he had 49 pressures and seven sacks. It was a bit of a dip after a big 2023 season, but he also played 317 fewer snaps. 

This is still a very good player who can start for the Lions and also rotate with Za'Darius Smith and whoever the team drafts and can help the Lions win it all in 2025 without the team having to compromise the future. 

What's the cost? According to cap expert Joshua Quiepo, the expected contract projection for a Mack deal would be a two-year deal worth $45 million. That's not a bad deal at all. 

The Lions could make half of that guaranteed and get him off the books by the time they need to sign Sam LaPorta, Brian Branch, Jack Campbell, and Jahmyr Gibbs to new deals in 2026. 

The reality is that Mack is not Garrett or Crosby, but he's as close as you can get if you want to make sure that you don't interrupt your quest for sustained success while also trying to load up for a Super Bowl win.