Bring Together Stars Who Could Significantly Strengthen the Lions’ Defense

The Detroit Lions have long been a franchise in the rebuilding phase, but their potential is undeniable, especially with the direction they’re heading in under head coach Dan Campbell. The team’s offense has made strides, with quarterback Jared Goff leading the charge, and their offense looks promising with the likes of Amon-Ra St. Brown and a revitalized run game. However, one area that still demands significant attention is their defense.

The Lions’ defense has been inconsistent over the years, with struggles in both pass defense and run defense. If the Lions are serious about competing in the NFC North and eventually making a deep playoff run, strengthening their defense should be a top priority in the off-season. In this article, we’ll discuss potential free agents and trade targets who could significantly bolster the Lions’ defensive unit.

1. Jalen Ramsey (CB) – Los Angeles Rams

Jalen Ramsey has been one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL for several years, and the Los Angeles Rams could look to trade him this offseason due to their salary cap constraints. Ramsey would be an immediate game-changer for the Lions’ secondary.

Why Ramsey?

Elite Coverage Skills: Ramsey is an elite shutdown corner, capable of erasing top receivers from the game. The Lions could pair him with young cornerback Jeff Okudah, forming a formidable duo in the secondary. Okudah has shown flashes of greatness but has struggled with injuries. With Ramsey as a mentor, Okudah could reach his full potential.
Leadership: Ramsey’s leadership on the field could help foster a stronger defensive culture in Detroit. His experience as a Super Bowl champion would be invaluable as the Lions push for contention.

Impact on the Lions: If the Lions can acquire Ramsey, they would immediately improve their pass defense, which was ranked 29th in the league in 2023. A defense with Ramsey on one side and Okudah on the other would provide a level of stability and skill at cornerback the Lions haven’t seen in years.

2. Javon Hargrave (DT) – Philadelphia Eagles

The Lions need to improve their ability to stop the run and generate pressure from the interior of their defensive line. Javon Hargrave, a dominant force for the Philadelphia Eagles, could be the perfect solution.

Why Hargrave?

Run Stuffer: Hargrave is an excellent run defender who can clog up running lanes and free up linebackers to make plays. With the Lions’ defense struggling to stop the run last season, adding Hargrave would significantly improve their ability to shut down the ground game.
Pass Rush: He is also a tremendous pass rusher for an interior defensive lineman. His ability to pressure the quarterback from the middle of the line would help alleviate pressure on Detroit’s edge rushers and create a more balanced pass rush.
Age and Availability: Hargrave is 31 years old but still playing at an extremely high level. While he may command a sizable contract, he’s worth the investment for a Lions defense that is looking to take the next step.

Impact on the Lions: Pairing Hargrave with young talents like Aleem McNeill would create an interior defensive line that can stop the run and apply pressure to quarterbacks. Hargrave’s leadership and presence in the locker room would also be invaluable for a defensive unit that still has a lot of young pieces.

3. Tremaine Edmunds (LB) – Buffalo Bills

The linebacker position has been an area of concern for the Lions in recent seasons. They’ve struggled to find consistent playmaking at this position, but Tremaine Edmunds could be the missing piece.

Why Edmunds?

Elite Physical Tools: Edmunds is a freak athlete, standing at 6’5” and weighing 250 pounds. His size, combined with his speed and athleticism, makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses. He is excellent in coverage and capable of making plays all over the field.
Versatility: Edmunds can excel in multiple roles—whether it’s covering tight ends in the passing game, rushing the passer, or playing the run. His ability to do it all would give defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn plenty of flexibility.
Leadership: Edmunds has been a leader for the Buffalo Bills’ defense, and he would bring a much-needed veteran presence to the linebacker group in Detroit.

Impact on the Lions: Edmunds would immediately improve the Lions’ linebacker corps, which has struggled with consistency in recent years. He’d be a versatile piece who could not only help in pass coverage but also set the tone as a tackler and run defender.

4. Marcus Williams (S) – Baltimore Ravens

The Lions’ secondary was a weak point in 2023, and safety was one of the most glaring issues. Marcus Williams, a ball-hawking safety with great instincts, would immediately improve the Lions’ defense.

Why Williams?

Playmaking Ability: Williams has a knack for making big plays. He’s one of the top ball-hawking safeties in the league, with excellent hands and the ability to create turnovers. His ability to create turnovers would help a Detroit defense that ranked 25th in takeaways in 2023.
Versatility and Range: Williams is an excellent centerfield safety, able to patrol deep zones and cover a lot of ground. His range and ability to read the quarterback would give the Lions secondary more stability.
Experience: After spending years with the New Orleans Saints and more recently with the Baltimore Ravens, Williams brings experience to a secondary that needs it.

Impact on the Lions: Adding Williams would immediately improve the safety position and make the Lions’ secondary more dangerous. His ability to cover deep routes would help the cornerbacks and provide more opportunities for the defensive line to pressure the quarterback.

5. De’Vondre Campbell (LB) – Green Bay Packers

Campbell has been one of the most underrated linebackers in the league over the past few years, and while he’s played for a division rival, his skill set would be a perfect fit in Detroit.

Why Campbell?

Tackling Machine: Campbell is a reliable tackler who is always in the right place at the right time. His ability to diagnose plays quickly allows him to be an excellent run defender.
Coverage Skills: In addition to being a force against the run, Campbell has shown the ability to cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game, which would give Detroit much-needed versatility at linebacker.
Leadership and Experience: As a veteran linebacker, Campbell’s leadership could help guide Detroit’s younger linebackers, such as Malcolm Rodriguez and Derrick Barnes.

Impact on the Lions: Adding Campbell would provide Detroit with a linebacker who is solid in both run defense and pass coverage. His ability to contribute in multiple phases of the game would give the Lions more flexibility in their defensive game plans.

6. Frank Clark (EDGE) – Kansas City Chiefs

The Detroit Lions’ pass rush has been inconsistent, and they could use a proven edge rusher who can create havoc off the edge. Frank Clark, the veteran pass rusher from the Kansas City Chiefs, could be the missing piece.

Why Clark?

Proven Pass Rusher: Clark has consistently been one of the league’s top pass rushers for years. His ability to disrupt quarterbacks and apply pressure off the edge would immediately improve Detroit’s pass rush.
Playoff Experience: Clark has a wealth of playoff experience, with two Super Bowl titles under his belt. His ability to perform on the big stage would provide valuable experience for a Lions defense that aims to make a playoff push.
Veteran Presence: Clark brings the type of leadership and experience that can help guide Detroit’s young edge rushers like Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston.

Impact on the Lions: Adding Clark to the Lions’ pass rush rotation would be a huge boost. His ability to create pressure on the quarterback would take some of the burden off of Hutchinson, allowing him to be more effective in his role.

7. Bobby Wagner (LB) – Los Angeles Rams

Bobby Wagner remains one of the most dominant linebackers in the NFL. Though he’s 33 years old, Wagner still has the instincts, leadership, and ability to be an elite player at his position.

Why Wagner?

Veteran Leadership: Wagner would bring a veteran presence to the Lions’ defense, particularly at linebacker. His experience and leadership are vital for a defense that is still finding its identity.
Run Defense and Coverage: Wagner excels against the run and has shown the ability to cover in passing situations. His all-around play would elevate the Lions’ defense.
Hall of Fame Credentials: Wagner is undoubtedly a future Hall of Famer, and his mere presence would inspire and elevate the play of his teammates.

Impact on the Lions: With Wagner in the mix, Detroit’s linebacking corps would improve exponentially. His experience and ability to do everything at a high level would strengthen the middle of the defense and help mentor the younger players around him.

If the Detroit Lions are serious about competing for an NFC North title and beyond, adding top-tier talent to their defense is a necessity. Players like Jalen Ramsey, Javon Hargrave, and Tremaine Edmunds would address key weaknesses in the Lions’ defense and allow the team to compete at a higher level. The addition of a veteran leader like Bobby Wagner or Frank Clark would give the Lions the kind of experience that every championship-caliber team needs.

The Lions’ defense is on the cusp of greatness, but they must continue to add talent, experience, and depth to compete in the hyper-competitive NFC. By targeting these players, the Lions can position themselves as true contenders in the near future, potentially transforming their defense from a liability into a strength that can complement their dynamic offense. The future of Detroit football looks bright if they can continue to make the right moves on the defensive side of the ball.