The Detroit Lions will get a big boost when edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson returns to the field after a season-ending injury in 2024, but the team still has some question marks among its pass-rushing group.
The Lions have tried to find a competent counterpart to Hutchinson but struggled to find a player who can make a consistent impact. One analyst believes the Lions could have another opportunity this offseason with a veteran pass rushing still in need of a new home.
Lions Urged to Add Former Patriots Star
Jeff Risdon of USA Today’s Lions Wire broke down some potential free agency additions for the Lions as they head toward training camp, including former New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons edge rusher Matthew Judon.
Risdon noted that Judon, who earned a $54.5 million deal from the Patriots, still has plenty left in the tank despite a down season in 2024.
“Judon bagged 15.5 sacks playing OLB for New England in 2022 and was leading the NFL in sacks in 2023 before suffering a torn biceps in Week 4,” Risdon wrote. “The Detroit native didn’t click in Atlanta in 2024 (no one did!), but if he’s got a late-career rebound in him, Judon’s length and craftiness at EDGE are exactly what the Lions covet at the position.”
The four-time Pro Bowl Judon had 5.5 sacks and 41 total tackles last season, adding an interception that he returned for a touchdown.
The Lions have made some other investments into their edge-rushing group, including James Houston who looked to be a breakout star in his rookie season alongside Hutchinson. Houston had 8.0 sacks in seven games his rookie season, but struggled outside of passing situations and was ultimately released last season.
Lions Could Bring Back Former Player
The Lions could have some other options if they aim to get some pass-rushing help for Hutchinson, including the player who filled the void after his injury last season. The Lions acquired Za’Darius Smith ahead of the trade deadline and he led the team down the final stretch with 4.0 total sacks.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox suggested the Lions could re-sign Smith after releasing him earlier in the offseason. Knox wrote that Smith could provide a bit of insurance in case Hutchinson is slow to regain his previous form after suffering a fractured leg.
“While it would be great to have a healthy Hutchinson in training camp and under contract long-term, Detroit should be looking for more at the position. The defense recorded just 37 sacks as a unit last season. Za’Darius Smith ranked second behind Hutchinson with only four,” Knox wrote.
“The Lions released Smith this offseason. Bringing him back or acquiring another pass rusher via free agency or trade—Trey Hendrickson looms as a top trade target—would be wise.”
ESPN’s Matt Bowen added that Smith could help the Lions develop another young pass rusher they picked up this offseason.
“The Lions took only one edge rusher in the 2025 draft (Boise State’s Ahmed Hassanein), leaving a need for a veteran opposite Aidan Hutchinson,” Bowen wrote. “So even though Detroit released Smith in March, bringing him back on another deal makes a lot of sense.”
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