In free agency, the Lions might target the former Bears’ edge.

The Detroit Lions are entering a pivotal offseason with the goal of continuing to build upon the foundation of success they’ve established in recent seasons. While the team has made significant strides in rebuilding under head coach Dan Campbell, their work is far from done. One of the most critical areas that the Lions must address in free agency is bolstering their pass rush. Over the past few years, Detroit’s defensive front has shown flashes of promise but has also been inconsistent at times. To take the next step in their quest to challenge for NFC North supremacy, the Lions may look toward the former Chicago Bears’ edge rusher, who is currently available in free agency, as a potential game-changer for their defense.

The Lions’ Need for Pass Rush Help

The Lions’ defense, particularly their pass rush, was one of the primary reasons they were not able to make a deep playoff run in 2024. Despite improvements across the roster, the defense often struggled to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. Detroit finished the 2024 season with only 34 sacks, which ranked 21st in the league. While they have some talent along the defensive line, there remains a noticeable lack of a true game-wrecking edge rusher, someone who can collapse the pocket and disrupt offenses on a weekly basis.

In the modern NFL, a dominant pass rush is one of the cornerstones of a successful defense. Quarterbacks can only do so much when they are constantly under pressure, and opposing offenses are far more likely to make mistakes when they can’t get into a rhythm due to an unrelenting pass rush. This is where the Lions’ search for a top-tier edge rusher becomes paramount.

The Former Bears’ Edge Rusher

One name that has surfaced as a potential free-agent target for the Lions is former Chicago Bears’ edge rusher, who has been one of the more consistent pass rushers in recent seasons. This player has been a fixture in the Bears’ defense, and his ability to get after the quarterback has earned him a reputation as one of the more feared edge rushers in the league. With the Bears opting to move in a different direction in their rebuild, this edge rusher is now available for the highest bidder, and the Lions may be poised to swoop in.

This pass rusher has shown he can be a disruptive force on the field, tallying double-digit sacks in multiple seasons and consistently being among the team leaders in pressures and tackles for loss. At 28 years old, he is in the prime of his career and has the ability to make an immediate impact on a defense that is still looking for its identity.

Fit with the Lions’ Defense

From a scheme perspective, this former Bears’ edge rusher would be a natural fit in Detroit’s defense. Under Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, the Lions have leaned heavily on a 3-4 base defense, which places a premium on edge rushers who can both rush the passer and set the edge against the run. This edge rusher has shown a versatile skill set that would allow him to thrive in the Lions’ defensive system.

In terms of playing style, he is known for his explosiveness off the line of scrimmage, his ability to disengage from blockers, and his high motor. These are all traits that would complement the Lions’ defensive philosophy, which emphasizes speed, aggression, and relentless pursuit of the quarterback. The Lions also have young defensive talent, and adding a veteran pass rusher to the mix would help accelerate the development of these players while providing a much-needed boost to the overall defensive unit.

Financial Considerations

While the Lions may be keen on adding a pass rusher of this caliber, they will need to balance their financial commitments in free agency. Detroit has some flexibility under the salary cap, but they must also consider other roster needs and long-term sustainability. A deal for this former Bears’ edge rusher may come with a hefty price tag, as top-tier pass rushers tend to command premium contracts on the open market.

That being said, the Lions have been active in free agency in recent seasons, making several high-profile moves to improve their roster. If they believe this pass rusher is the missing piece they need to take their defense to the next level, they may be willing to make the financial commitment. The front office will likely weigh the value of acquiring a proven playmaker on defense versus their available cap space and long-term team-building strategy.

Potential Impact on the Lions’ Defense

If the Lions were to successfully sign this former Bears’ edge rusher, the impact could be immediate and far-reaching. First and foremost, it would give the Lions a legitimate pass-rushing threat on the edge, something they have lacked for several seasons. His ability to get after the quarterback would force opposing offenses to account for him on every passing down, which would open up opportunities for other pass rushers and allow the defense to be more aggressive overall.

Additionally, the presence of a proven edge rusher would take pressure off other members of the defensive line. Players like Aidan Hutchinson, who has shown promise but still needs to develop consistency, would benefit from having another dynamic edge rusher to play opposite of. The Lions could then rotate their defensive linemen more effectively, keeping them fresh and maximizing their effectiveness throughout the game.

Beyond his individual ability to rush the passer, this edge rusher also has a reputation for being a strong run defender. In a division like the NFC North, where teams like the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings rely heavily on their running games, having an edge rusher who can set the edge and prevent big runs to the outside would be invaluable.

The Bigger Picture for the Lions

The acquisition of a top-tier pass rusher in free agency would be a critical move for the Lions as they continue to position themselves as contenders in the NFC. With the offense showing signs of life under quarterback Jared Goff and a dynamic group of playmakers, Detroit’s success in 2025 and beyond will largely hinge on the performance of their defense.

While the Lions have made strides in rebuilding their defense, adding an impact pass rusher could be the catalyst that propels them to the next level. If they are able to bring in a player with the pedigree and production of this former Bears’ edge rusher, it would instantly improve their chances of challenging for an NFC Championship and potentially making a deep postseason run.

The Competition

Of course, Detroit will not be the only team vying for the services of this edge rusher. Several other franchises are in the market for pass-rushing help, and teams with more cap space or greater immediate needs may make a stronger pitch to the player. That being said, the Lions’ upward trajectory under Dan Campbell and their growing reputation as a competitive team could make them an attractive destination.

Additionally, the Lions have the benefit of playing in the NFC North, where they have a clear opportunity to compete for the division title. This could be a major selling point for the edge rusher, who may see joining Detroit as a way to not only get paid but also contribute to a team on the rise with a chance to make an immediate impact.

As the Detroit Lions continue their search for the missing piece to their defense, targeting the former Chicago Bears’ edge rusher could be the perfect move. With his ability to generate pressure on the quarterback, set the edge against the run, and provide leadership on the field, he would be a valuable addition to Detroit’s defense. The Lions have a unique opportunity to take a step toward becoming a true contender in the NFC, and adding a proven pass rusher to their defensive line could be the key to unlocking their full potential in 2025 and beyond.