The Detroit Lions have been quiet in free agency thus far, but the chance still exists for a few moves to boost their depth ahead of the draft.
Defensively, the Lions need help along their line, especially when it comes to rushing the passer. There are several good veteran options still available on the market, and the Lions should look into adding one for the right term and price.
One of the better options on the market is Matt Judon, formally of the Atlanta Falcons. Though he is 33 years old, Judon can still play a role for a contending team like Detroit. In spite of that, he was curiously not listed as a fit for the Lions by ESPN's Bill Barnwell (paywall).
"Judon is a sound, smart player, but as he turns 33 this year, a new team would probably need to continue spotting him in as a part-time role in an edge-rushing rotation. He had 20-plus hits in five consecutive seasons between 2018 and 2022 and nine in four games before suffering a season-ending injury with the Pats in 2023. The hope would naturally be that 2024 was an outlier on a team where nobody seemed capable of getting after the quarterback. The Falcons signaled their decision to move on from Judon by signing Leonard Floyd in free agency, but Judon should eventually find a one-year deal with a contender. Ideal landing spots: Chiefs, Bengals, Commanders."
That analysis shows why Judon would fit the Lions best. They don't need him to be the player who racked up 15.5 sacks in 2022. Even if he has lost a step, he can be a solid veteran mentor for whomever the Lions decide to draft and other role players up front. If he was able to deliver a solid 5.5 sack season, that could go a long way to help Detroit's defensive production.
Detroit Lions need to sign a veteran defensive end to bolster depth up front
At this point, the Lions have chosen to bank on their own free agent defensive linemen like Marcus Davenport no matter how much risk it entails. Perhaps they get another quality pressure season from Levi Onwuzurike, and Al-Quadin Muhammad returns after enjoying a solid season as a reserve. None of that should prevent another outside signing.
Even if the Lions believe in their own players and their ability to scout, the reality is that injuries will happen as 2024 showed. There is no guarantee a rookie will be ready to step up and provide immediate production at the NFL level in his first season on the field.
Adding more veteran depth at defensive end should be paramount, and it's the biggest need the Lions have. Judon feels like the best option of the bunch given his skillset. No matter what direction the Lions choose, they need to commit to making an addition that will boost their pass rush.
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