The Detroit Lions are busy figuring out what approach to take in free agency, and there will be a major push to improve a defense which struggled badly down the stretch.
Adding pass rushers is a huge goal this offseason, and there will be multiple different options the Lions can take. They could either strike a big trade for Myles Garrett, sign a high-dollar free agent like Josh Sweat or add a player a bit further down the list at a bargain price.
In the past, the Lions have taken a bargain approach in free agency, which makes free agent edge Dante Fowler Jr. an interesting option. Fowler was recently named an overlooked veteran by Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox, and cited as a fit for the Lions.
"Price is less of an issue for the Detroit Lions, who are projected to have $55 million in cap space. However, Fowler would be a quality addition to a pass rush that features Aidan Hutchinson and added Za'Darius Smith at last year's trade deadline."
"Considering Fowler's likely price point, the Lions could afford to add him and another pass-rusher to bolster their 30th-ranked pass defense in free agency."
As Knox points out, if the Lions could get Fowler at a lower price, that would be a win because it could allow for additional moves to bolster the defensive line. At 31, Fowler is far from finished even though he is aging. Adding him and another free agent could help key an important depth turnaround in the trenches for Detroit.
Lions 2025 Free Agency: Dante Fowler has a Brad Holmes connection
The Lions haven't made it a habit to bring in former Los Angeles Rams, but there have been a few players added that have a relationship with Holmes dating back to his previous franchise. Jared Goff comes to mind, in addition to former wide receiver Josh Reynolds.
Fowler has his own history with the Rams, playing there for two years after being dealt to Los Angeles in the 2018 season. Holmes was the director of college scouting for the Rams then, and likely did some homework on him coming out of college.
After being added to the Rams, Fowler helped the franchise to the Super Bowl, enjoying his best season to date after re-signing in 2019 when he put up 58 tackles and 11.5 sacks. This past season, Fowler had the second-best sack total of his career (10.5) with the Washington Commanders.
Detroit's staff will likely know enough about Fowler to make an educated decision. Given his age and production, it could be a sneaky good fit.