Star Pass Rusher Suddenly Back on the Table for Detroit Lions as Brad Holmes Eyes Final Piece to Complete Super Bowl Roster

The Detroit Lions might not be done building what many believe is a legitimate Super Bowl contender. In a stunning development that has reignited buzz around Allen Park, a star pass rusher is reportedly back on the table for the Lions as General Manager Brad Holmes continues to fine-tune one of the NFL’s most exciting young rosters.

After an offseason focused on solidifying the defense and surrounding franchise quarterback Jared Goff with even more support, Holmes appears ready to take one final, aggressive swing—this time targeting a high-profile defensive playmaker capable of transforming the team’s pass rush into one of the league’s most feared units.

The Lions have already made headlines this year with bold, strategic moves. They signed defensive tackle D.J. Reader to bolster the interior, re-signed standout edge defender Marcus Davenport to maintain continuity, and used premium draft capital to continue investing in both trenches. However, the one missing ingredient in their defensive front has been a consistent, elite-level pass rusher who can change games single-handedly.

That’s where the recent reports come in.

Multiple league insiders have now linked Detroit to veteran star pass rusher Danielle Hunter, the two-time Pro Bowler who remains a free agent after spending nine productive seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. The 29-year-old Hunter, still in his prime, posted 16.5 sacks last season and has long been considered one of the NFL’s most dangerous edge threats when healthy.

Detroit fans are well-acquainted with Hunter’s disruptive abilities. He’s terrorized NFC North quarterbacks for nearly a decade, including memorable performances against the Lions themselves. Now, in a fascinating twist, he could be the missing puzzle piece that takes Detroit’s defense from solid to dominant.

The Lions’ interest in Hunter isn’t new. Reports from earlier this offseason indicated Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell had explored potential fits for Hunter but backed off due to financial constraints and other priorities. However, as free agency drags into July and Hunter’s market remains surprisingly quiet, the Lions have reportedly circled back, sensing an opportunity to strike a deal more favorable to their cap situation.

It’s easy to understand the intrigue. Detroit’s defense improved significantly last season under coordinator Aaron Glenn, finishing seventh in rushing defense and showing flashes of dominance down the stretch. However, the pass rush remained inconsistent outside of All-Pro Aidan Hutchinson, who led the team with 11.5 sacks.

Pairing Hutchinson with an accomplished veteran like Hunter would instantly elevate the unit. Opposing offensive lines would no longer be able to double-team Hutchinson with impunity. The Lions could unleash more exotic blitz packages, control the edges, and collapse pockets more efficiently—all crucial elements for a team with legitimate championship aspirations.

For his part, Hunter brings far more than just sack totals to the equation. At 6-foot-5 and 263 pounds, he’s a rare blend of size, speed, and technical refinement. His ability to set the edge in the run game, win with power or finesse, and disrupt quarterbacks from multiple alignments makes him a versatile weapon any defensive coordinator would covet.

Detroit’s young defense could also benefit from Hunter’s experience and leadership. Hutchinson is evolving into a cornerstone piece, but the Lions’ defensive front remains relatively young outside of Reader and Davenport. Hunter’s presence would accelerate the development of promising talents like Josh Paschal and James Houston, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence that Campbell has emphasized since his arrival.

Financially, Detroit is in a position to make a competitive offer, especially with Goff’s team-friendly extension creating additional flexibility. Spotrac estimates the Lions have roughly $17 million in available cap space, and creative structuring could make a deal for Hunter feasible without jeopardizing future roster building.

Of course, bringing in a player of Hunter’s caliber comes with risks. He missed significant time in 2020 and 2021 due to injuries, though he returned in 2022 and 2023 to produce at an elite level. His price tag, even at a potential discount, will likely command substantial guaranteed money. The Lions must weigh the short-term upside against potential long-term ramifications, particularly given the looming extensions for young stars like Hutchinson, Penei Sewell, and Alim McNeill.

Yet, for a team firmly positioned in a win-now window, the gamble might be worth it.

The Lions’ path to the NFC Championship Game last season showcased how close they are to football’s ultimate prize. They pushed the San Francisco 49ers to the brink on the road, and many believe a more consistent pass rush could have altered the outcome. Adding Hunter would directly address that deficiency, ensuring Detroit enters 2025 not only as favorites to repeat as NFC North champions but as serious Super Bowl contenders.

League insiders also point to the cultural fit as a major selling point. Campbell, known for building a gritty, resilient locker room, demands players who embrace toughness, accountability, and team-first mentalities. Despite operating in rival territory with the Vikings, Hunter has earned praise for his work ethic, humility, and leadership—traits that align with Detroit’s identity.

Moreover, sources indicate Hunter is intrigued by the Lions’ trajectory. Unlike past years, when Detroit languished at the bottom of the standings, the current version of the franchise boasts one of the NFL’s most talented young cores, innovative coaching, and a passionate, rejuvenated fan base hungry for championship glory.

Hunter also offers familiarity with the NFC North landscape, providing valuable insights into divisional opponents like Green Bay, Chicago, and his former team in Minnesota. That institutional knowledge could be invaluable in critical late-season matchups with playoff seeding on the line.

For Holmes, landing Hunter would mark another calculated, aggressive step in Detroit’s rise. The former Rams executive has meticulously constructed this roster with smart draft picks, shrewd free-agent acquisitions, and a keen eye for locker room chemistry. Adding an established star without mortgaging future flexibility epitomizes the type of bold, strategic moves championship teams make.

It’s worth noting that Detroit isn’t alone in pursuit of Hunter. Other contenders, including the Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars, have expressed interest. However, the Lions’ combination of cap space, competitive trajectory, and scheme fit makes them a particularly attractive destination.

Ultimately, the decision rests on whether Holmes and Campbell believe Hunter is the missing piece to push their defense over the top. The Lions have already signaled their belief that 2025 represents a golden opportunity to end decades of playoff frustration and deliver the franchise’s first Super Bowl title.

If Hunter dons Honolulu Blue, expectations will soar—and rightfully so.

The table is set for a thrilling final chapter to the offseason. With training camp on the horizon and rosters taking shape, the Lions’ pursuit of a star pass rusher like Danielle Hunter could redefine the team’s ceiling—and perhaps the entire NFC landscape.

For Detroit, the time is now. And with Hunter suddenly back on the table, the final piece to their Super Bowl puzzle might just be within reach.