The Detroit Lions faced a rough go of it last season, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, with injuries decimating their squad. At one point, they had an astounding 21 players on injured reserve, a statistic that underscores just how challenging the season was for them.
When the injuries began to pile up, it became painfully clear that the Lions struggled to contain even the most mediocre offenses. The culmination of their defensive woes was particularly evident in the Divisional Round, where they were trounced by the Washington Commanders, allowing a staggering 45 points. That kind of number tells you everything you need to know about how much they missed their key players.
Looking ahead, the Lions need to regroup and ensure they’re in a strong position for next year. Central to that strategy will be a proactive approach during free agency. General Manager Brad Holmes is expected to make some bold moves that could significantly reshape the defense.
One major area of focus for the Lions is likely to be the edge rusher position. With bright young talent like Aidan Hutchinson already on the roster, the addition of a proven veteran could elevate their defensive game to new heights. Speculation is swirling that Khalil Mack, currently with the Los Angeles Chargers, could be a prime target for Detroit.
Analyst Ben Rolfe from Pro Football Network highlights how enticing a Mack-Hutchinson pairing could be. “Imagine adding Khalil Mack alongside Za’Darius Smith and Aidan Hutchinson,” he points out. “The Lions could create an elite pass-rushing trio, which would be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. While landing Mack would come at a hefty price, the Lions have over $40 million in cap space and are in a win-now mode, making it feasible.”
Though Mack’s sack numbers dipped in 2024, don’t be fooled—he still possesses the ability to disrupt games and wreak havoc in the backfield. If he teams up with Hutchinson, we could witness some jaw-dropping statistics for Detroit’s front seven. The thought of offensive lines having to contend with both of these powerful forces is enough to send shivers down the spine of any quarterback.
This potential move extends beyond just adding a recognizable name; it has the makings of a genuine game-changer for the Lions’ defense. With their sights set on a Super Bowl, securing a superstar like Mack aligns perfectly with the team’s ambitious aspirations. The Lions are ready to elevate their game, and free agency appears to be the setting where they can make that vision a reality.
