Is it the most sensational plan from the Detroit Lions to have a rookie slot in at the edge opposite Aidan Hutchinson, with very little proven veteran help to back him up in case he flounders in Year 1?
Probably not!
This is no knock on D.J. Wonnum, who was brought in during free agency to likely be that backup pass rusher behind Derrick Moore. But, Wonnum seems to be a better run-stopper than pass rusher, which doesn't solve the Lions' problem of not having enough of an additional threat at the edge to take doubles away from Hutchinson.
That would explain why NFL insider Jason LaCanfora and SportsBoom editor Louis Hobbs believe that the Lions - as well as the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears - could be in on potentially signing Jadeveon Clowney following training camp.
"Every team in the NFC North, for instance, is lacking a defensive player in the mould of Clowney, and it would not surprise league execs if he ended up with Chicago, Detroit, or Green Bay, in particular. Clowney is in no hurry to sign anywhere, according to sources with knowledge of the situation, and at this stage of his career, even training camp, or a full training camp, is not a prerequisite for him. One executive told SportsBoom he has a hunch that Clowney ends up with the Packers."
Lions linked to an ideal FA target that could get snatched up by NFC North rival
LaCanfora and Hobbs seem to lean in favor of Green Bay's chances of landing the veteran defensive end. They'll be without Micah Parsons for the start of the season, so adding some pop back to the line could help to keep their defense on track before his return.
The team also lost Rashan Gary in the offseason, and while he had a terrible end to his year with Green Bay, he might've been one of their better remaining pass rushers aside from Parsons to throw out in 2026.
"Over the last three seasons, Clowney has had a top pressure rate among all NFL edge defenders age 30 or over (nearly 16%), and he has always been a strong run defender with long arms and core strength," added Hobbs. Additionally, Clowney had four passes defended in 2025, which is a skill set the Lions should be prioritizing as they try and generate more turnovers this season.
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We've written about a potential connection between Clowney and the Lions, but not on an insider level - just as a fit. It'd make a ton of sense to bring someone like him in on a one-year deal to back Moore up, especially since he could even start while Moore gets his NFL legs under him.
Detroit has $18.5 million in cap space to still work with, and as Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit noted in his breakdown of the Lions' cap situation following Terrion Arnold's release, they could have even more if they end up voiding his guarantees. Specifically, Detroit could gain $4.45 million in cap relief by the end of 2027.
This is more than enough wiggle room to make a small, but potentially mighty, sigining like Clowney.
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