While the Detroit Lions seem pretty set with their pass rusher room, there's always room for improvement.
The team, while placing emphasis on the position in the offseason, still faces a lot of questions about the room's viability beyond Aidan Hutchinson. He could have a monster season, and we'd still see struggles with their line overall if players like Derrick Moore and D.J. Wonnum can't consistently contribute on the other end.
Free agency is still in effect with plenty of options at edge rusher remaining. And one name should stand out for the Lions, according to CBS Sports' Garrett Podell: A.J. Epenesa.
"Epenesa would be a strong rotational addition to any contender's pass rush. The Detroit Lions could use more pass-rush pop opposite Hutchinson, and Epenesa could be a relatively low-cost way to bolster that effort. Yes, Detroit drafted Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the 44th overall pick, but Epenesa would be a nice veteran depth addition with 14 games of NFL playoff experience."
Detroit urged to make a move on FA edge rusher
At just 27 years old, Epenesa could be a worthy investment for the Lions to make. His career includes 24 total sacks along with 21 passes defended and five forced fumbles. The passes defended are what really stand out, as Detroit struggled to generate turnovers in the air or put pressure on the quarterback.
Hutchinson knows that this year could be one of this core's very last to actually compete in the NFC for a Super Bowl berth, despite the fact that general manager Brad Holmes doesn't seem as keen on that reality. And, with the Los Angeles Rams trading for Myles Garrett and potentially gearing up for Aaron Donald to un-retire, things could get hairy if the Lions don't invest a bit more in their own edge rusher room.
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Detroit could snag Epenesa for cheap, as well. Spotrac has his next projected deal sitting at $6.4 million AAV, while the Lions' current cap room sits at just over $18 million. They already used Jahmyr Gibbs' fifth-year option, so his impending extension would make no difference to their space until 2028.
Jack Campbell's deal could make a long-term Epenesa contract a bit more diffcult to get done, but Epenesa is at a point in his career where a one-year "prove it" deal is probably a lot more appealing, anyway.
Detroit is not going to make any big swings on the trade market anytime soon for additional help up front or even in their secondary. Epenesa is a nice consolation prize for this frugal front office, and for a fanbase hungry for any sign of desparation from the team.
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