The likely reason why the Lions haven’t signed an edge rusher yet

The Lions are likely being patient to see how this next market plays out

Mike Payton — Detroit Lions Beat Writer
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Detroit Lions Executive Vice President & General Manager Brad Holmes speaks to the press about their season, how it ended and what’s next at the Detroit Lions headquarters and training facility in Allen Park, Mich., Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Three days have come and gone in free agency, and the Detroit Lions have been active, but not as active as maybe fans hoped they would be.

Of course, we’re back to talking about the one position that has been on the minds of Lions fans for the last couple of years. Edge rusher. The Lions need edge rusher help. They need it really badly. The good news is that they will get it this offseason. They have to because right now they have Aidan Hutchinson and Ahmed Hassanein, right now, and that’s about it. They literally have to fill the role.

So why haven’t the Lions filled the edge rusher hole yet?

First, we have to come to grips with reality. The Lions were never going to trade for Maxx Crosby. They were never going to sign Trey Hendrickson. Even the mid-level guys like Odafe Oweh and Boye Mafe might have been too rich for their blood.

That doesn’t mean there’s a bunch of bums just sitting out there. There’s a whole other level to the edge rusher market left, and maybe a few others before you get to that point. The next level is where the Lions fit into the mix. We’re talking about the one-year veteran market.

This is where the Lions can find some really good edge rusher help on a one-year deal that won’t break the bank. We’re not talking about guys who will come off the bench; we’re talking about starters who can help bring along the rookie, or rookies, that the team will likely bring in at the draft. Here are some guys who can really fit that mold:

Jadeveon Clowney

Clowney had 40 pressures and nine sacks last year. He’s been a strong run defender as well. Oddly, teams don’t bring him back, which is weird because he plays really well at every stop. He can be had on a one-year deal for $12 million.

Cameron Jordan

Jordan will be 37 when the season starts, but he has not missed a beat after all these years. Jordan put up 36 pressures, 10.5 sacks, and an 82.1 run defense grade. The Lions can get him on a one-year deal worth $8 million.

Jacob Martin

Like Al-Quadin Muhammad, Martin had a bit of a breakout season last year at a later point in his career. He had 45 pressures and eight sacks in 2025. The run defense is a bit concerning, but if the Lions want a pass rush specialist, you can see how that could work. The Lions could get him on a one-year deal worth $1o million.

Update: Martin signed with the Titans on Thursday afternoon.

Von Miller

Miller is 37 years old, but he had a strong season in 2025 with 36 pressures and 10 sacks. A stronger run defender than Martin, but also seven years older. He can be had on a one-year deal worth $10 million.

The list doesn’t end there, but those are some players who fit the bill of being able to add some strong play on a short-term deal while Detroit likely gets their new young guys ready to go full-time.

The thing is, this market hasn’t really been set yet. Mostly, we’ve just seen the big multi-year deals. So the Lions are likely just waiting things out so they’re not the team that overpays and sets this market. Be patient. A move is coming.

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