As Aidan Hutchinson waits for assistance and a $100 million investment looms large in free agency, the Detroit Lions face a serious edge rusher conundrum.
The Importance of the Edge Rusher Position
In the modern NFL, an effective edge rusher is crucial for defensive success. With the game increasingly being won or lost through the air, pressuring the quarterback has become one of the most vital components of a defense. The ability to disrupt the quarterback’s timing, force hurried throws, or even sack the passer is directly correlated with defensive efficiency and the overall success of the team.
For the Detroit Lions, who are striving to become serious contenders in the NFC, their pass rush is one area that has stood out as a glaring need. Despite significant improvements in other areas of their defense in recent seasons, including a rising secondary and a steady interior defensive line, the lack of a consistent edge rusher has held the Lions back from being a truly dominant defensive force.
Aidan Hutchinson’s Role in the Future
Aidan Hutchinson’s development is at the heart of the Lions’ edge rusher equation. Drafted as the second overall pick in 2022, Hutchinson quickly became a cornerstone of Detroit’s defense, recording impressive statistics as a rookie, including 9.5 sacks and 3 interceptions. His ability to impact the game as both a pass rusher and in coverage made him one of the most well-rounded defensive players in his class.
In 2024, Hutchinson’s season was cut short by an injury. However, prior to that, he was on pace to potentially surpass his rookie sack total and establish himself as one of the premier edge rushers in the league. The question for the Lions now is whether Hutchinson can return to his previous form after his recovery. Based on reports from the team and his public updates, Hutchinson seems to be progressing well in his rehabilitation. If he comes back healthy, his presence alone will be a significant boost to the Lions’ pass rush.
However, Hutchinson’s development also depends on the help he gets from his teammates. An effective edge rusher is rarely a one-man show, and Hutchinson will need support from the other defensive ends and linebackers to fully maximize his potential. Without another elite pass rusher on the other side, opposing offenses can more easily scheme to neutralize Hutchinson, using double-teams or quick passes to avoid his impact.
The Need for a Complementary Edge Rusher
This is where the Lions face their biggest challenge. The edge rusher opposite Hutchinson has been inconsistent, with players like Romeo Okwara, Charles Harris, and others failing to deliver on a regular basis. While Harris has shown flashes of potential, he hasn’t been able to stay healthy enough to contribute at a high level. Okwara has been a solid rotational piece but hasn’t been a game-changer. The Lions’ defensive line is certainly better when they have a second edge rusher who can create pressure, but right now, that spot is a question mark.
One of the most talked-about solutions to this problem is Marcus Davenport, whom the Lions re-signed for another season. Davenport has all the physical tools to be a dominant edge rusher. At 6’6” and 265 pounds, he’s an imposing figure with speed, power, and burst. However, Davenport has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, which has kept him from realizing his full potential. The Lions’ hope is that Davenport can stay on the field for an extended period and contribute in a major way opposite Hutchinson.
While Davenport’s signing is an intriguing gamble, the Lions cannot rely solely on him to solve their edge rusher dilemma. Therefore, addressing the position in the draft or through additional free-agent signings will remain a priority for the front office.
The Lions’ Financial Approach and Free Agency Strategy
With around $50 million in cap space heading into the 2025 offseason, the Lions had ample flexibility to add significant talent. However, they chose to take a more measured approach, focusing primarily on retaining their own free agents and signing role players who could contribute at a lower cost. This has allowed the team to avoid overcommitting to high-priced free agents at positions of need.
The Lions’ decision not to splurge on a top-tier edge rusher in free agency likely reflects a few factors. First, they likely believe in the potential of players already on the roster, including Hutchinson and Davenport. Second, they may want to preserve their cap space for future seasons, keeping in mind that Hutchinson and other key players will soon require contract extensions.
While it’s clear that the Lions need a better pass rush, their strategy shows a focus on long-term roster building rather than short-term fixes. This includes the idea of drafting an edge rusher who can develop alongside Hutchinson to form a dominant duo on the defensive line.
The Draft: A Potential Game-Changer for the Lions
The NFL Draft is where the Lions can make a transformative impact on their edge rush situation. Heading into the 2025 draft, there are several intriguing prospects at the edge rusher position who could be available to the Lions with their early picks.
- James Pearce Jr.: Pearce is a dynamic pass rusher who possesses excellent speed and quickness off the edge. He has a natural bend and is effective at turning the corner, making him an ideal complement to Hutchinson. He’s also adept at setting the edge against the run, which makes him a well-rounded prospect.
- Mykel Williams: Williams is another highly regarded pass rusher with tremendous upside. His combination of size (6’5”) and speed makes him a versatile weapon in the pass rush. Williams could potentially contribute immediately, providing the Lions with the opposite edge rusher they desperately need.
- Shemar Stewart: Stewart is a physically imposing edge rusher who can disrupt the pocket with his raw power and athleticism. While still somewhat raw, Stewart’s ceiling is high, and he could develop into a top-tier pass rusher under the right coaching staff.
By drafting one of these players, the Lions could immediately improve their pass rush and take pressure off Hutchinson. The development of this young player, paired with Hutchinson’s return to form, could give the Lions one of the most formidable edge-rushing duos in the league.
Long-Term Outlook
The success of the Lions’ edge rusher situation will ultimately depend on the health and development of their young players, particularly Hutchinson. If he returns to full strength, he has the potential to be one of the league’s top defensive ends, capable of dominating games. However, the Lions will need more than just Hutchinson to be truly effective on the defensive line. Davenport’s health and performance, as well as the development of young players and potential draft picks, will be critical in determining how successful the Lions’ pass rush will be moving forward.
The combination of a rejuvenated Hutchinson and a complementary edge rusher will be key to the Lions’ defensive improvement. If the front office can make the right moves in the draft and continue to develop their talent, Detroit’s defense could take a massive step forward, improving their chances of being a true contender in the NFC.
With $100 million looming in potential investments through free agency and cap space, the Lions’ management has the flexibility to continue strengthening their roster. But the question remains: Will they address the edge rusher position adequately to make a significant leap forward in the 2025 season? The answer will ultimately depend on their ability to blend free agency moves with a smart draft strategy, ensuring that the team’s pass rush is both immediate and sustainable.
As Hutchinson and the rest of the Lions defense gear up for the 2025 season, their edge rusher situation will remain one of the most critical storylines to watch.