The Detroit Lions have consistently struggled to rush the passer in the last handful of seasons, and even though they got on a more solid footing in 2025, the questions will return again next year.
While Aidan Hutchinson remains a force, the Lions have not found him a capable running mate that can do damage based on the attention he receives. Last season, Al-Quadin Muhammad put up nice statistics, but is 30 years old, a free agent and could be hard pressed to replicate 11 sacks again.
With this in mind, it's going to be another busy offseason for Detroit when it comes to figuring out what to do at pass rusher. The Lions will have the option to make a bold move to change their fortunes up front, but it's unclear whether Brad Holmes is willing to rock the boat in such a way.
Enter a potential value signing that could represent the best of both worlds. Last season, former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney was an afterthought signing after bouncing around the league. In spite of that, he raised his game significantly last year to show he is still a force.
Pro Football Focus writer Ryan Smith put together a list of underrated free agents at every position, and Clowney was his pick at edge due to an impressive stint last year with the Dallas Cowboys.
"Clowney’s 2025 season with the Dallas Cowboys was his seventh team in the last eight years, which is shocking for a player who has been as productive as he’s been while on the field. Since the start of 2015, Clowney has finished with a 70.8-plus PFF overall grade in all but one season (66.5 in 2021) and is coming off a year in which his 19.1% pressure rate trailed only Micah Parsons and Will Anderson Jr. for the top mark in the league."
"Clowney’s cumulative PFF grade over the last three years is 83.2 while averaging 589 snaps per season over that span, suggesting he can once again be one of free agency’s best value signings in 2026."
Statistically, Clowney was impressive as well, posting 8.5 sacks and one forced fumble last season. He has also totalled 66.5 sacks in his career. At age 33, those are very respectable totals that could mesh well with Hutchinson and perhaps another draft pick.
Lions have major decision to make with regard to defensive improvements
Adding a player like Clowney could represent the sweet spot for Detroit. They could bolster one of the weaker positions on the roster with a very talented player that isn't likely to command a huge contract like Trey Henderson or cost significant trade assets like Maxx Crosby.
The Lions have other needs to ponder defensively that might be bigger than adding a big-name defensive end. With Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph facing uncertain futures, safety could be a spot the team decides needs an upgrade. There will also be the need to bring back in-house free agents at cornerback and along the defensive line.
READ MORE: Aidan Hutchinson would "love" for Al-Quadin Muhammad to return in 2026
Additionally, the offensive line could be a place where the Lions decide they want to spend bigger. A center such as Tyler Linderbaum offers the franchise a chance to solidify one of the weaker spots on their roster and make a more dramatic move to do so.
Clowney could be an intriguing way for the Lions to improve a weak spot on defense without spending much money. He's just the type of veteran value that could thrive opposite Hutchinson and give Detroit a formidable rush.