reaking news from the NFL: The Detroit Lions are emerging as a top contender for a star player who is about to hit free agency.
It’s becoming clear that the Detroit Lions will prioritize acquiring an edge rusher during the 2025 offseason. After struggling to consistently sack opposing quarterbacks in the 2024 season, the Lions are in desperate need of a significant upgrade in this area.
Aidan Hutchinson led the team with sacks last season, even though he played in just five games, and there wasn’t a close second. With that in mind, the Lions will be looking for someone to fill this gap and elevate their defense.
The good news for Detroit is that there will be several appealing options this offseason, including some high-profile players on the trade market, as well as top-notch talent in free agency.
Among the free agents, Khalil Mack, a former Defensive Player of the Year, is expected to be one of the most sought-after names. And according to Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron, the Lions are considered one of the top landing spots for the Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher.
Mack had a spectacular 2023 season, totaling 17 sacks, 74 tackles, and five forced fumbles in his second year with the Chargers. However, his numbers took a dip in 2024, as he registered just six sacks, though he still posted 49 pressures and led all edge rushers with six batted passes, according to PFF.
While the decrease in his stats might raise some concerns, there’s a key factor to consider: Mack played 318 fewer snaps this season. Additionally, the Chargers reduced their blitz rate significantly in 2024, dropping from 31.5% in 2023 to 23.8%. In contrast, the Lions had the second-highest blitz rate in the league at 34.6%.
With Detroit’s aggressive pass-rush strategy, Mack could thrive in a new system, benefiting from more opportunities to disrupt opposing offenses, especially as they focus on Hutchinson. If Mack were to join the Lions, his numbers could see a significant uptick.
Although Mack might come with a hefty price tag, his talent and experience would make him a worthwhile investment as the Lions aim to bolster their defense following a disappointing playoff run.
While he may not be as flashy as some of the trade candidates floating around, there’s no denying that Mack is one of the best options available in free agency. He’s definitely a player the Lions should closely monitor if they decide to take the free-agent route this offseason.