If Za'Darius Smith doesn't return to the Lions, here are 4 remaining edge rushers who can help Detroit in 2025
Detroit Lions fans want one more thing this offseason before the Lions report to camp: the return of edge rusher Za'Darius Smith. As of this time, things seem to be in the hands of Smith and his agent, and we'll see where they go. Personally, I don't see the Lions adding another edge rusher ahead […]
Detroit Lions fans want one more thing this offseason before the Lions report to camp: the return of edge rusher Za'Darius Smith. As of this time, things seem to be in the hands of Smith and his agent, and we'll see where they go.
Personally, I don't see the Lions adding another edge rusher ahead of camp because they've demonstrated time and again this offseason that they're pretty happy with what they have. But if they are in the market and Smith doesn't come back, here are four guys who could help.
DeMarcus Walker
Walker actually met with the Lions on a free-agent visit back in early April. He didn't sign at that time, and he remains a free agent. He started for the Bears the last two seasons and had ok production. If you're looking for a big premier guy opposite Hutchinson, Walker is not that. That guy is not out there, by the way. He would be a solid depth guy similar to Al-Quadin Muhammad.
Carl Lawson
Again, none of these guys are going to start in Detroit. There isn't some elite guy that everyone forgot about. Lawson might be the most productive of these guys, though. Last year, he had 27 pressures and six sacks off the bench for the Cowboys. It's actually pretty surprising they didn't bring him back.
Matt Judon
I think you get yourself into the same contractual situation the Lions may be in with Smith here. The former All-Pro may not be willing to give up on All-Pro money. There's a reason he's still a free agent. But if Detroit can get him a little cheaper and he's willing to play a rotational role, he would be a big help.
Trevis Gipson
The youngest of the group at 26. He's dealt with injuries in the last two seasons, but when he was with the Bears, he looked like a guy who could be a solid player someday. At the least, he's worth an invite to camp to see where his body is at.
NFL analyst says the Michigan Panthers have the next Jake Bates, and we think the Lions should be interested
Last spring, this kid named Jake Bates lined up for a 64-yard field goal for the Michigan Panthers of the UFL and then kicked it right through the goal posts, and everything changed for him overnight. Not long after that, the Detroit Lions signed Bates, and he had a big-time rookie year and showed that […]
