After signing D.J. Wonnum to a one-year deal, it's clear that the Detroit Lions are officially on the hunt for any bargain they can find in free agency. No big swings were made in the first wave, and the second wave seems more like a small ripple in a puddle of water.
That's likely because of Detroit's current cap situation, which has them a bit tied down due to upcoming potential extensions going to Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, Sam LaPorta, and Brian Branch. These are big name players and hugely important ones to the Lions' core, and they're likely looking to surround them with cheap, reliable talent.
That's exactly what ESPN's Bill Barnwell thinks their approach is this offseason, especially as it pertains to their pass rushing room. Barnwell recently assessed their biggest remaining need to be at the edge, with their obvious solution being to add "in bulk" at the position:
"At this point, knowing the Lions probably need to reserve at least one of their top two picks for a left tackle, Holmes must approach the edge rusher position with the idea that he needs to find multiple veterans who can contribute in situational roles."
The veterans Barnwell would love to see headed to Detroit this offseason? Joey Bosa or Jadeveon Clowney - two pass rushers, as of the writing of this post, who are still lurking on the market and seeking a good fit for 2026.
Barnwell thinks Lions should add in bulk at the edge
Detroit has Hutchinson as their obvious EDGE1, and now they have a ton of optionality behind him with Wonnum, Tyler Lacy, and Ahmed Hassanein. Campbell also offers some pass rushing in his arsenal, and if Alim McNeill could bounce back to 2024 form, that's another dangerous tackle added to the fear of opposing quarterbacks.
Still, the team could use a veteran alongside Hutchinson, and Bosa and Clowney really fit that bil. Clowney, specifically, had a bit of an underrated season last year with the Dallas Cowboys. Per Spotrac, his AAV only sits at $5.7 million. That cost, which is just projected to be on a one-year deal, is exactly within the mold of what Brad Holmes has accomplished this offseason.
READ MORE: Lions address a major flaw from last season with their three OL acquisitions
Continuing to add in bulk, as Barnwell puts it, in addition to looking ahead to the NFL Draft to address their obvious hole at EDGE2, is going to have to come at a major discount. That's clear from everything the Lions have done this offseason. Clowney feels like their best bet at continuing on that path while saving money in the interim.