The Detroit Lions are facing an inflection point this offseason, looking to reload their roster and reopen the Super Bowl window that abruptly slammed shut this season.
One NFL analyst believes that could start by adding a talented counterpart to Aidan Hutchinson, a boost to the often-struggling pass rush.
Lions Add Another Top Pass Rusher
While the Lions found a star in Hutchinson, they have struggled over the last several seasons to find a competent counterpart. Christian Booher of SI.com suggests this could be a top priority, urging the Lions to make a run at Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.
“There are several high-end defensive free agents in this year’s crop, and the Lions may be inclined to find their complementary piece to Aidan Hutchinson in free agency instead of the draft,” Booher wrote. “Trey Hendrickson is the top free agent available, though his value may have dipped after an up-and-down 2025 season hampered by injury.”
Hutchinson returned to the Bengals on a one-year deal worth $30 million, but now is considered a top free agency prize and has been connected to several title contenders.
While Hendrickson would also be a top target for the Lions, Booher suggested they could look at some secondary choices if he proves to be too expensive.
“Other EDGE options include Jaelan Phillips and Odafe Oweh, both of whom could be in line for big contracts,” Booher wrote. “If the Lions are able to restructure some contracts and create cap space, it instantly becomes more feasible to upgrade the defense and address some of the gaps in production that hampered them at times throughout the year.”
Lions Could Also Tend to Their Secondary
The Lions have made some big investments in their secondary over the last several seasons, taking what had been one of the league’s worst units and making it a strength. The unit struggled often during the 2025 season, however, and Locker suggests there is even more uncertainty ahead.
Reporter Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus broke down the top free agency targets for all 32 NFL teams, suggesting the Lions boost their secondary with a pickup from the Los Angeles Rams — cornerback Roger McCreary.
“As the Lions head into an offseason of critical reflection, they’ll likely lament what’s happened to the state of their cornerback room by the end of the last two seasons,” Locker wrote. “Although significant investments have been made, more is needed, especially on the inside with Amik Robertson no longer under contract.”
Locker suggested the Lions could sign cornerback Roger McCreary, who has shown promise during his years with the Rams and would improve an area of weakness for the Lions.
“McCreary represents a younger upgrade at slot corner,” Locker wrote. “The 25-year-old owns a 70.0 overall PFF grade throughout his four-year career, including a 68.7 PFF coverage mark. After joining the Rams midseason, McCreary notched a 79.4 coverage grade, and his 6.9 snaps per target tied for fourth among slot corners. The former second-round pick could bring inside-outside versatility with starting upside to Detroit’s corner room.”
Lions Urged to Add $30 Million Edge Rusher to Help Aidan Hutchinson