The Lions' need for a complementary pass rusher to Aidan Hutchinson has stretched multiple seasons now,
Over the past two years, the Lions have tried the likes of Marcus Davenport, Za'Darius Smith, John Cominsky, James Houston, and countless others at defensive end. Unfortunately, all of them suffered serious injuries, played while Hutchinson was injured, or were just flat out not productive.
For this reason, every trade deadline and free agency period sparks rumors of the Lions wanting to go out and get a new pass rusher to pair with the great Hutchinson.
Whether it's a huge name like Myles Garrett or Trey Hendrickson, or a free agent former star coming off a lackluster season, Lions fans are constantly clamoring for Brad Holmes to bring someone in.
This also leads to experts around the league linking the Lions to potential options at the EDGE position. In an article titled, "1 Remaining Free Agent Every Team Should Sign Now," Mark Stolte of Pro Football Network had veteran Emmanuel Ogbah, last with the Dolphins, as the Lions' free agent.
Emmanuel Ogbah is the perfect, affordable option for Detroit
"The most important aspect of signing Ogbah is that he should be a really cheap option for Detroit," said Stolte. "[The Lions are] going to have to pay quite the bill when all of these young studs are up for new deals."
Stolte makes a fantastic point that many fans forget when discussing who the Lions should sign or trade for in the offseason: the Lions can't spend money they are going to need in the future.
Emmanuel Ogbah is a nine-year veteran, still looking for a team to join for his tenth season. He has recorded 47 sacks in his NFL career, including two back-to-back seasons with nine in 2020 and 2021. Despite turning 31 last November, Ogbah has played at least 15 games in four of his last five seasons.
GRIT is the most important aspect of a player that this Lions regime looks for. Based on what his former coaches have said, Ogbah seems to be a Dan Campbell-type player.
"The thing I love about [Ogbah] is his approach to work, he's the same guy every day," said Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver in a press conference last October. "He is an enforcer."
In terms of fit, price, and GRIT, Emmanuel Ogbah seems to check all the boxes that Brad Holmes is looking for in Detroit.
With the injuries that the Lions have faced, especially at the edge rusher spot, in the past few seasons, Ogbah can either be a starter or a fantastic depth piece on this defensive line.