Under the radar defensive lineman named free agent match for Detroit Lions

As the Detroit Lions look to fortify their roster in free agency, an under the radar defensive lineman has been tabbed as a match for them.

The Detroit Lions enter free agency in a good position, with moves to add more cap space that seem to be coming.

General manager Brad Holmes will surely put a major focus on adding help to a Lions’ defense that could use it all three levels to some degree. Cornerback is the top need on the entire roster, without question, but linebacker and defensive line could use depth or talent upgrades too.

Jared Dubin of CBS Sports recently played free agency matchmaker, with one player match for each NFC team.

A defensive lineman who could find a bigger role on a new team was the match for the Lions–defensive end Charles Omenihu.

"The Lions could stand to give Aidan Hutchinson some help in the pass-rush department, and we know how much Dan Campbell likes guys who can really get after it with high-effort levels. That’s how Omenihu succeeded with the 49ers, and that’s how he could find success in Detroit as well. He collected 4.5 sacks and 16 quarterback hits while playing just over half of San Francisco’s defensive snaps a year ago. Perhaps the Lions could give him an expanded role and get a bit more out of him."

Detroit Lions could fortify defensive line depth with Charles Omenihu

A fifth-round draft pick by the Houston Texans in 2019, Omenihu had seven sacks over his first two NFL seasons. He was traded to the San Francisco 49ers in the middle of the 2021 season. He playd all 17 games last season, with 4.5 sacks and 16 quarterback hits over a 54 percent snap share (via Pro Football Reference).

Pro Football Focus has given Omenihu a pass rush grade over 75.0 in each of the last two seasons.

Omenihu does have an off the field situation which may complicate his free agent market. He was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic violence the week before the NFC Championship Game. There haven’t been any major developments there on the legal side, but that could change and teams are certainly aware it could change to bring discipline from the league office.

But in the broad sense, Omenihu is an ideal free agent defensive line target for the Lions. Capable, versatile and, even without the potential off-field concern, he won’t break the bank.