The Detroit Lions have many needs this offseason, but the top issue Brad Holmes will have to address is making improvements to a pass rush that struggled in 2024.
An untimely injury to Aidan Hutchinson was the biggest reason the Lions didn't reach expectations, but if the end of the season proved anything, it's how the team needs to get more consistent at pressuring the passer.
In order to accomplish this mission, the Lions could go big in the trade market. More than likely, though, they'll have to get creative in free agency to create the kind of depth that can make a major difference next season. Enter a more underrated option.
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report put together a list of under-the-radar free agents that could be steals in 2025. Malcolm Koonce of the Las Vegas Raiders was his choice at edge, because he could be primed for a bounce-back season coming off an injury.
"Koonce's injury in a contract year will hurt his market value, but he's still in his prime (he turns 27 in June) after showing some promise in a starting role."
"Because Koonce plays a premium position, he may still get close to $10 million per year. Pro Football Focus projects that the pass-rusher will get about $18.8 million per year on a new deal."
"In 2023, Koonce registered eight sacks. If he reaches the double-digit mark in a full breakout season, whichever team signs him would have a steal at a key position."
The Lions have gambled on players with a checkered injury history before. Sometimes it has worked (Charles Harris), while others it has not (Emmanuel Moseley). With eight sacks in 2023, Koonce was trending in a positive direction before injury. Joining Detroit's defensive line, he could be primed for better stats with a bigger role.
Brad Holmes might have to get creative to fix Detroit Lions' pass rush problem
The Lions have had success signing underrated players like Koonce and developing them within their program. If the medicals check out, this could represent another ideal move to effectively boost Detroit's pass rush for a very fair price.
Holmes understands the Lions will have to find different solutions and develop their own star pass rushers rather than spending assets or big dollars to add established players in a competitive market.
"We're not just looking for one high end rusher. We have a high-end rusher now. We want to have another one, yes, but we'd like to have three or four high end rushers. That's just not always the reality of what you're able to do. It's definitely not being ignored. All the conversations I have with general managers throughout the year when we're bouncing (ideas) off each other (about) what they need or what we need to improve our roster, I can't remember a time where pass rushers have ever been omitted. That's what everybody wants. It's not going to be ignored."
With knowledge that Holmes wants to address the position this offseason, it's safe to say he will cast a wide net. A under the radar player like Koonce could be a nice fit.