As the Detroit Lions continue their push for playoff contention in the 2025 NFL season, one area of their roster has been receiving increasing attention: their defense. Despite significant improvements under head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions’ defense still has holes to fill, and experts and analysts are urging the team to add a “high-end” veteran to a key position to elevate their play on that side of the ball. While the Lions have made strides, particularly in pass rush and secondary depth, they remain a few pieces away from reaching the elite status required to compete for a Super Bowl.
The debate is not about whether Detroit should upgrade their defense—it’s about where the Lions should focus their efforts in free agency or the trade market. With the current roster, Detroit’s defense has a solid foundation, but certain positions are still vulnerable, and adding an experienced, high-level player could make a massive difference.
This article will explore the rationale behind why the Lions should pursue a veteran to fill a critical defensive need, identify key areas on defense that require an upgrade, and discuss potential targets who could make an immediate impact.
Detroit Lions Defense: The Current State
Before diving into the specific areas where the Lions need a veteran upgrade, let’s first assess the current state of their defense. Under the leadership of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, the Lions’ defense has shown substantial improvement, particularly in the second half of the 2024 season. Players like Aidan Hutchinson, who was selected with the second overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, have stepped up to make an impact. Additionally, cornerbacks such as Jeff Okudah (if retained) and rookie additions like Brian Branch in the secondary have helped solidify the defense.
However, despite these strides, there are areas that remain a concern, particularly at linebacker, cornerback depth, and defensive tackle. Let’s examine these positions more closely:
1. Linebacker
The linebacker position has long been a weakness for the Lions, and while the team has made some efforts to improve it, this area still needs further investment. Detroit’s linebackers have shown flashes of potential, but there is no true elite player at the position who can make consistent plays in both the run and pass games. The Lions are relying on players like Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes, but neither has emerged as an all-around, game-changing linebacker.
The lack of a high-end linebacker has been especially evident when facing elite offenses that rely heavily on the passing game and quick passing routes. A linebacker with the ability to cover tight ends, running backs, and even wide receivers in space would be an essential upgrade for the Lions, especially when looking to compete with the high-powered offenses in the NFC.
2. Cornerback Depth
The cornerback position has also been a point of concern. While Jeff Okudah has shown flashes of being a true shutdown corner, the Lions have struggled to find consistency opposite him. While Cam Sutton was signed as a free agent in 2024 to provide veteran leadership and stability, the team is still searching for the right mix of players to build a shutdown secondary. The Lions have a promising player in Brian Branch, who showed his versatility in his rookie season, but the depth behind these starting players is still a question mark.
Having another veteran cornerback—someone with experience in high-pressure situations—could help solidify the secondary. With teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, and Dallas Cowboys boasting strong receiving corps, the Lions need a cornerback who can provide additional coverage in critical situations and ensure the defense can make stops against elite quarterbacks and wide receivers.
3. Defensive Tackle
Defensive tackle is another area where the Lions could look to add a veteran presence. Alim McNeill has shown potential, but Detroit’s interior defensive line still lacks a true game-changing force. While the pass rush from the edge—thanks to players like Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston—has been a strength, a powerful interior presence is needed to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and stop the run more effectively. The Lions are currently relying on a combination of Isaiah Buggs and Levi Onwuzurike, both of whom have been inconsistent.
A veteran defensive tackle with the ability to dominate both in pass rush and against the run would allow the Lions to create a more balanced defensive front. This addition would complement the edge rush and provide the defense with another layer of depth, helping to contain high-powered offenses like the Kansas City Chiefs or the Buffalo Bills.
Why Adding a Veteran Makes Sense
Given the needs at linebacker, cornerback, and defensive tackle, adding a high-end veteran to one of these positions would have a profound impact on the Lions’ defensive outlook for 2025. But why specifically should the Lions target a veteran player?
1. Experience in High-Pressure Situations
A veteran player brings invaluable experience, particularly in high-pressure situations. The Lions are on the rise but are still developing a playoff-caliber roster. Having someone who has been through the rigors of playoff football and understands the mental and emotional aspects of high-stakes games can be a massive boost to a defense that is still relatively young and learning how to perform on the big stage.
For example, in the case of linebacker or cornerback positions, a veteran can provide leadership in crucial moments, helping players keep their composure when the game is on the line. This is especially important for Detroit as they aim to challenge for the NFC North and eventually deeper playoff contention.
2. Filling Key Gaps in the Starting Lineup
While the Lions have promising young talent, they still need proven, consistent play at several positions. In particular, the linebacker, cornerback, and defensive tackle spots need players who have a proven track record of performing at a high level. A veteran who has consistently been productive will be more reliable than an untested rookie or an inconsistent player. These high-end veterans can help close the gap between the Lions’ current roster and their ultimate goal of becoming a Super Bowl contender.
3. Mentorship for Young Players
A high-end veteran can also serve as a mentor to the Lions’ younger players, particularly those in the secondary and at linebacker. Players like Aidan Hutchinson, Jeff Okudah, and Brian Branch will benefit from learning from a seasoned player who has experienced different schemes, systems, and challenges throughout their career. Mentorship can accelerate their development, allowing the Lions to build a defense that is not only competitive but capable of sustaining success over the long term.
Potential High-End Veteran Targets
1. Bobby Wagner (Linebacker)
One of the top linebacker free agents in the 2025 market, Bobby Wagner would be an immediate upgrade for the Lions. The former All-Pro linebacker brings years of experience and could be the game-changer Detroit needs. Wagner’s ability to cover in the passing game, combined with his leadership, would make him an ideal addition to the Lions’ defense. He has been a staple of the Los Angeles Rams’ defense in recent seasons and remains one of the most well-rounded linebackers in the NFL.
2. Jamel Dean (Cornerback)
Jamel Dean, a standout cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, would provide the Lions with the physical, press-man coverage corner they need to lock down top wide receivers. Dean has the ability to match up against some of the league’s best wideouts, and his speed and physicality would complement Jeff Okudah in the Lions’ secondary. A healthy, fully engaged Dean could be the key to Detroit’s secondary taking the next step in becoming one of the league’s best.
3. Fletcher Cox (Defensive Tackle)
At 34 years old, Fletcher Cox might be considered a short-term solution, but his experience and ability to dominate the interior defensive line would be a significant boost for the Lions. Cox has been one of the top defensive tackles in the league for over a decade, and his presence could immediately help Detroit’s ability to disrupt the pocket and stop the run. With the Lions’ current struggles to consistently create pressure from the interior, Cox could serve as the stabilizing force the defensive line needs.
4. Kyle Fuller (Cornerback)
Another veteran cornerback to consider is Kyle Fuller, a well-respected figure in the league with an excellent pedigree. Fuller’s ability to play both inside and outside corner would give the Lions valuable depth. While he’s had some injury concerns in recent years, when healthy, Fuller is a reliable player who can contribute in a starting role.
5. Lavonte David (Linebacker)
Lavonte David, like Wagner, is another veteran linebacker who could add immediate value to the Lions. David’s ability to cover, tackle, and lead a defense would make him an ideal mentor for younger players like Derrick Barnes. His football IQ and ability to read offenses would complement the Lions’ defensive scheme perfectly.
