The Detroit Lions made a big addition to their edge-rushing group during the NFL draft, but could still have room for one more veteran addition.
The Lions used a second-round pick on Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore, who is expected to start alongside fellow Wolverines standout Aidan Hutchinson. Reporter Vito Chirco of SI.com believes the Lions could still use more depth at the pass rush, suggesting that veteran free agent Jadeveon Clowney could fit the bill.
Lions Could Make Free Agency Splash
Clowney is one of the most accomplished edge rushers left on the open market, a 12-year veteran with 66.5 career sacks. Chirco suggested the Lions could use a player like Clowney to provide more trusted depth behind Moore.
“I would still like the Lions to go out and get a veteran EDGE, like Joey Bosa, Cam Jordan or Jadeveon Clowney,” Chirco wrote. “It’s because as much as I like Detroit’s draft pick of Derrick Moore and addition of D.J. Wonnum in free agency, I still don’t think the team’s pass-rushing unit will be consistently productive enough throughout the duration of the 2026 season.”
Fellow SI.com writer Christian Booher believes the Lions should focus more on the interior of their defensive line, noting that the team is lacking depth at nose tackle.
“They’re going to utilize Tyleik Williams plenty, and he can play that spot, but he’ll be best in a rotation,” Booher wrote. “I think a veteran add in this spot would help finalize what has been a solid offseason, and I mentioned Cincinnati’s T.J. Slaton as a player I think Detroit should try to make a move for earlier this week.”
The Lions did add USC edge rusher Anthony Lucas as an undrafted free agent, giving more competition to the position for training camp and the preseason.
The Athletic predicted that Lucas could grow into a strong NFL player, though he may not make an immediate impact with the Lions.
“Lucas has NFL-quality size, with the power profile and quickness to be a firm NFL edge setter and work-in-progress pass rusher,” wrote The Athletic’s staff. “As long as his ‘care’ factor stays high, he has enough physical traits to find work on an NFL defensive line.”
Lions Face Competition for Jadeveon Clowney
The Lions could have some competition for Clowney, with Pro Football Focus writer Bradley Locker predicting he will return to the Carolina Panthers.
“Although only a handful of teams are in outward need of edge defender help, organizations can never be content with their depth at the position,” Locker wrote. “Despite already signing Jaelan Phillips along their front, the Panthers could be a landing spot for Clowney.”
Locker added that Clowney performed well with the Dallas Cowboys, despite the team’s overall struggles on defense, and could make a good addition for a team this year.
“Clowney did his part on a subpar Cowboys defense, accruing an 80.6 PFF pass-rush grade with 40 pressures,” Locker wrote. “The former No. 1 overall pick has maintained strong play against the pass despite getting older, assembling at least a 14.9% pass-rush win rate every year since 2023.”
Lions Urged to Make Free Agency Splash With 66.5-Sack Edge Rusher