NFL insider narrows to possible final 'all-in' move for the Lions

The Detroit Lions seem to have a vastly improved defensive line after some offseason additions. But there are question marks, especially in regard to who will provide pass rush punch off the edge opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Marcus Davenport has to stay healthy, and James Houston ideally takes a big step after an injury-ruined second season. If one or both of those things happen, things will probably be fine.

Sports Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer published a fresh mailbag post on Wednesday. A question came from a Lions fan regarding a veteran free agent signing to "push all in." Breer admitted to "scratching and clawing" for a real hole on the Lions' roster that would move the needle to satisfy the question, then he landed on one.

"And that brought me to the idea of adding a pass rusher to station opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Right now, the Lions would probably start Marcus Davenport there, which isn’t a huge problem, but probably requires a little more depth."

"Along those lines, adding a veteran such as Yannick Ngakoue or Emmanuel Ogbah would make some sense. It would help the Lions protect against Davenport’s extensive injury history, and also add to what the team could do on passing downs. And if things go according to plan this year, the defense will be seeing a lot of those situations."

Should the Lions sign another edge rusher?

As should be obvious, any free agent who is still available here in June has warts to some degree.

Ngakoue has been well-traveled, six teams in eight NFL seasons and five teams in the last four seasons, but he had at least eight sacks every year of his career before last season with the Bears. It's broadly odd no one has signed him, since an ankle injury he had last season appears to be behind him.

Ogbah spent the last four seasons with the Miami Dolphins, and he has posted at least 5.5 sacks in four of the last five seasons. He has inside-outside versatility the Lions might like.

The list still-available edge rushers also includes Carl Lawson, Markus Golden, Shaq Lawson, Charles Harris, Myjai Sanders and Jerry Hughes. If the Lions had any intention to bring back Harris they would have done it already, so let's scratch him.

From this corner, Carl Lawson, Golden and Sanders still stand as the most interesting available edge rusher options along with Ngakoue and Ogbah. If the Lions feel they need some kind of insurance against Davenport's durability concerns, giving someone a shot during training camp is definitely on the table.