A roster hole that desperately needs addressing.
With Levi Onwuzurike undergoing season-ending surgery on his ACL, Detroit seriously need to bolster its pass rush room.
Current in-house options – Marcus Davenport and Al-Quadin Muhammad – are either unreliable fitness-wise or simply do not possess starter quality.
So with the season edging closer, the franchise must act quickly to pick up one of these three free agents.
Za’Darius Smith
Although just released by the Lions in March as a cost-saving measure, Za’Darius Smith is the most suitable free agent to partner with Hutchinson.
Smith joined Detroit midway through last season, traded by the Cleveland Browns in exchange for late-round draft picks.
And if the Lions can entice Smith to return, he can pick up where he left off in 2024 – registering four sacks in eight games.
The 32-year-olds’ return is a smart business move which would benefit all parties.
Smith would not command a huge salary. The Lions have adequate cap space to pay him, and there is proof he gels with the team.
All fingers currently point to the veteran, and as Detroit get more desperate, this move feels like one that could come to fruition.
Matthew Judon
Matthew Judon is another 32-year-old who would provide a wealth of experience to Detroit’s thin pass rush core.
Last season he recorded 5.5 sacks and 41 total tackles in 17 games for the Atlanta Falcons.
A solid season for a player who looked likely to be on the decline.
If signed, Detroit could lean on him with Hutchinson making his way back from a freak leg injury in 2024.
However, Judon’s adequate 2024 means he will like be after a healthy salary. But Detroit need to look past the figures and at the bigger picture – not just with Judon but all three options.
Their Super Bowl window is still open, so they must feel a veteran of Judon’s quality is well worth the investment.
Jadeveon Clowney
Jadeveon Clowney – now in the twilight of his career – typically holds out for the highest bidder.
This offseason he was released by the Carolina Panthers and he still has plenty of fuel still in the tank.
And with a good 2024 tape – 5.5 sacks and 46 total tackles – Clowney will feel he is in line for another healthy deal.
A potential partnership of Clowney and Hutchinson does have game-wreaking potential.
One that could definitely galvanise their defense and push them toward their Lombardi dreams.
However, the question remains whether the 31-year-old would take a smaller package financially to play for a contender.
