Free agent edge rusher tabbed as fit for the Lions heading into playoff run

The list of injured Detroit Lions' defensive players grew on Thanksgiving Day, with linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (knee-torn ACL) and defensive lineman Josh Paschal (knee) and Levi Onwuzurike (hamstring) facing missed time. Rodriguez is out for the season, and reports on Friday said Paschal may miss some time but his injury is not considered a season-ender.

The Lions wasted no time to bring in some front-seven reinforcements, with reports they'll sign linebacker Kwon Alexander from the Denver Broncos' practice squad and defensive lineman Jonah Williams from the Los Angeles Rams practice squad coming within hours on Friday.

But it's fair to say the Lions will continue to have their eyes open for players who could help them offset the litany of injuries on the defensive side of the ball. Beyond a sheer need for healthy bodies, the ties Alexander and Williams have to the coaching staff and front office respectively certainly informed the moves to add those guys to the mix.

Free agent edge rusher tabbed as potential playoff run fit for the Lions

Any player who is available at this point in the season has some sort of flaw (age, injury history, etc.). But on the flip side, someone who is available would be a set of fresh legs and potentially helpful.

On that note, David Kenyon of Bleacher Report offered a list of five free agents contenders should target for the 2024 playoff run, with specific teams mentioned for a couple of them.

Edge rusher Justin Hollins is on the list, and in the scope of that position being very important Kenyon mentioned the Lions.

"Quarterback is the most important position on the field. After that, edge-rusher is probably next up."

"Every week, though, it seems another key player gets injured. For example, the Detroit Lions can hardly keep one on the field. Detroit's list of unavailable edge-rushers—highlighted by Aidan Hutchinson, who began the year on an All-Pro pace—is stunningly extensive."

"And that's why a player like Justin Hollins could be targeted."

Hollins split last season between three teams (Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers), totaling one sack over 12 games. In 2022 between the Los Angeles Rams and the Packers he had 3.5 sacks, and he won a Super Bowl ring with the Rams in 2021.

Hollins would only be a rotational edge rusher and special teamer for any team that signs him. But he was with the Rams in 2020 when Lions general manager Brad Holmes was there, so in a broad sense he could be on the ever-evolving list of players on the radar to be added if needed.