It is the day everybody has been waiting months for. Since the end of the regular season -- and playoffs, for some teams -- it's been a consistent countdown until the beginning of NFL free agency. Now, the Detroit Lions' quest to get over the hump really begins.
Before free agency kicked off, the Lions made some notable decisions in their group of pass rushers. First, Detroit re-signed defensive end Marcus Davenport after he missed almost the entire 2024 season with a torn triceps.
The next key move was in releasing Za'Darius Smith. While re-signing Davenport made sense and he'll join Aidan Hutchinson and the rest of the group, Smith's absence still leaves the topic at hand: Detroit has to continue adding depth at this position.
If Detroit wants to truly compete for a Super Bowl, they have to take the mentality of not being able to have enough talent at certain positions, and pass rushers are no exception.
The Lions don't have the ability to trade for Myles Garrett after that pipe dream ended, and Khalil Mack opted to re-sign with the Chargers on Monday morning as well. So, the options are evaporating. But, there remains one big name that hsan't been talked about much in reference to the Lions
However, he's been desired by Green Bay Packers fans in a big way.
The Lions can sign Josh Sweat and simultaneously end the Packers' initial free agency hopes
The Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles have a massive free agent of their own in pass rusher Josh Sweat. Obviously, great teams can't pay everybody, but they'll surely try.
Sweat is going to have tons of interest around the market, possibly even from another division rival in the Chicago Bears (who happened to be rumored for a Mack return, as well). The veteran has 25.5 sacks over his past three seasons.
If the Lions somehow managed to sign Sweat and pair him alongside Hutchinson, it might be game over for the rest of the division. A healthy Hutchinson, Sweat, Davenport and the rest of the crew would be a phenomenal group of pass rushers to go along with a defense that's improved as well.
Not to mention, crushing the hopes of Packer fans everywhere, who have desired another top-end pass rusher, would be all too sweet for Detroit.
Could it happen? Sure.
Is it likely? That's debatable.
Would it be epic? Absolutely.