The Detroit Lions have been trying to support edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson with veteran free agent additions on the opposite edge of the team’s defense. But that has only provided the unit short-term answers.
Athlon’s Luke Easterling proposed a solution that would complement Hutchinson for the foreseeable future — Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell.
Easterling predicted the Lions take Howell at No. 17 overall in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
“It’s obvious that Aidan Hutchinson is one of the NFL’s most dominant edge defenders, but the Lions are still searching for a worthy running mate who can line up across from him and take advantage of 1-on-1 opportunities,” Easterling wrote. “Howell proved in 2025 that he’s capable of single-handedly ending drives and taking over games, and he can win with a wide range of tools, from speed and power to polished technique and well-timed counter moves.”
Howell became a star at Texas A&M during the 2025 season. He posted 11.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and 31 combined tackles.
Over five seasons of college football, Howell had 127 combined tackles, 35.5 tackles for loss and 27 sacks.
How the Lions Find Another Edge Rusher to Play With Aidan Hutchinson
The Lions actually had quite the pairing at defensive end last season with Hutchinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad.
Each player reached double-digit sacks. Muhammad registered a new career-best with 11 sacks.
Muhammad, though, is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in March. Coming off a career year at 30 years old, it seems unlikely the Lions break the bank to keep Muhammad.
That’s why it could be very important for the Lions to find an edge rusher early in the 2026 Draft.
Why Cashius Howell Could Fit With Lions
Howell became a star at Bowling Green during his first three collegiate seasons. During 2023, he posted a MAC-high 9.5 sacks along with 10.5 tackles for loss.
The edge rusher then challenged himself with a transfer to the SEC. He didn’t shine as much statistically in 2024 but then made a significant jump during 2025.
Behind his 11.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss, Howell made first-team All-America in 2025.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein has his concerns about Howell as a run defender at the next level. But Zierlein hyped Howell’s ability to rush the passer.
“Bendy edge rusher with standout sack totals. Burst and elusiveness are on Howell’s rush menu and he pairs it with a refreshing inside spin counter,” Zierlein wrote. “Howell might not be a three-down player right away, but his ability to create pressure sets him up for a role as a designated rusher, at minimum.”
While he has lower expectations as a run defender, that doesn’t mean Howell won’t eventually become a well-rounded player. He could just need more time to contribute regularly on all downs.
In a perfect world, the Lions will re-sign Muhammad on a short-term deal or sign another edge rusher similar in profile to Marcus Davenport. The Lions added Davenport in free agency two years ago but because of injuries, he played only 10 games for Detroit from 2024-25.
Having a veteran still available to play opposite Hutchinson will give the Lions options for 2026. But by picking Howell, the Lions could be landing their eventual budding star opposite the second-team All-Pro edge rusher.
Lions Projected to Pair Aidan Hutchinson With New Star Edge Rusher in 2026 NFL Offseason