The Detroit Lions are a team on the rise, coming off a season where they demonstrated notable improvements, finishing with a record of 9-8 and pushing for a playoff spot in the competitive NFC. However, as the 2023-2024 offseason unfolds, many fans are eagerly looking ahead to what the Lions might do to bolster their roster, especially on defense. One area where the team could use an upgrade is at EDGE rusher, a critical position in the modern NFL that can make or break a defense. Given the scarcity of elite pass rushers and the Lions’ current salary cap situation, adding a “superstar” EDGE rusher this offseason appears increasingly unlikely.
To understand why adding a superstar EDGE rusher is unlikely for the Detroit Lions this offseason, it’s essential to take a closer look at several factors: the state of the current roster, the team’s financial situation, the available talent on the market, and how the franchise is planning to allocate its resources to build for both the present and the future. By considering these factors in-depth, we can gain a clearer picture of why the Lions might not make a significant splash in the EDGE rusher market this year.
The Current State of the Detroit Lions’ Roster
At first glance, the Detroit Lions have made substantial strides in recent years. After a period of rebuilding under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes, the team has begun to show signs of improvement, particularly on offense. Quarterback Jared Goff has regained his form, the running back duo of Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift provides stability in the backfield, and the wide receiver group, including Amon-Ra St. Brown, continues to be an emerging strength.
However, the defense is still very much a work in progress. The Lions have made some moves to improve on that side of the ball, but they still face significant challenges in the trenches. The pass rush, in particular, remains one of the team’s biggest needs. While they’ve had some bright spots on defense, such as linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez and cornerback Jeff Okudah, the Lions have not had a consistent impact player at EDGE since the days of Ziggy Ansah.
In 2023, the Lions’ defensive line was far from dominant. They finished the season with 39 sacks, which ranked just 20th in the league. The lack of consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks was one of the primary reasons why the Lions’ defense struggled against high-powered offenses, particularly those in their own division, like the Minnesota Vikings with Kirk Cousins and the Green Bay Packers with Aaron Rodgers. While Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions’ first-round pick in 2022, showed promise and finished his rookie season with 9.5 sacks, the team still needs more talent to provide complementary pressure. The Lions have attempted to address this need in the past few drafts, but they have yet to find a game-changing pass rusher who can consistently disrupt the quarterback.
Salary Cap Constraints and the Financial Picture
One of the most significant barriers to adding a superstar EDGE rusher this offseason is the Lions’ current salary cap situation. The NFL’s salary cap operates as a hard ceiling for teams, limiting how much they can spend on player salaries in a given season. As of the beginning of 2024, the Lions are in a relatively good position compared to many teams, with ample cap space to make some moves. However, the team’s cap space is not limitless, and Brad Holmes must balance short-term improvements with long-term sustainability.
To make a splashy move for a superstar EDGE rusher, the Lions would need to allocate a significant portion of their available cap space to the position. As an example, consider the salaries of some of the premier EDGE rushers in the NFL. Players like Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt, and Micah Parsons are all among the highest-paid players at the position, with contracts that extend well into the tens of millions per year. Signing a player of that caliber would require restructuring contracts, cutting players, or using a significant portion of the available cap space in the short term.
While the Lions do have enough space to be active in free agency, they are also managing a number of key extensions and player signings in the near future. Jared Goff’s contract is set to become more costly in the next few years, and they will need to make decisions about retaining key contributors, including star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who will need an extension after the 2024 season. Additionally, players like Aidan Hutchinson, who is already showing Pro Bowl potential, will eventually demand a significant pay raise once his rookie contract expires. These impending financial commitments could make it difficult for the Lions to justify investing heavily in a superstar EDGE rusher this offseason.
Instead, the Lions may prioritize other areas of the roster, such as the secondary, offensive line, or wide receiver position. Addressing the defensive line with more affordable, high-potential players could be a more prudent approach, allowing them to build depth without sacrificing their financial flexibility down the line.
The Availability of Superstar EDGE Rushers in 2024
The market for elite EDGE rushers in any given offseason is always limited. There are only a few true game-changers at the position, and most of them are either locked into long-term contracts with their current teams or are franchise-tagged to prevent them from hitting the open market. This creates a situation where the number of superstar EDGE rushers available for trade or free agency is often minimal.
In 2024, the free-agent market does not offer a wealth of elite EDGE talent. While some established players could potentially hit the open market, they may be past their prime or have injury concerns that reduce their overall impact. Players like Frank Clark, Jadeveon Clowney, and Robert Quinn are examples of veterans who might have one or two productive years left but are unlikely to be the “game-changer” that the Lions need to immediately elevate their pass rush.
On the trade front, there are very few teams willing to part with elite pass rushers, and even if a player were available, the cost of acquiring one through trade could be prohibitive. The asking price for top-tier pass rushers—whether in draft picks, young players, or a combination of both—can often be too steep for a team like the Lions, who are still in the midst of building a long-term contender.
The Lions could also explore the possibility of signing a second-tier EDGE rusher or looking for younger talent in the draft. This approach would allow them to invest in the future while adding a player who could develop into a more significant contributor down the road. Given that the Lions’ front office has shown a willingness to be patient in their rebuild and draft well, they may choose to go this route instead of chasing a high-priced veteran.
The Draft: A More Likely Route for EDGE Help
While adding a superstar EDGE rusher in free agency seems unlikely, the NFL draft represents a more viable path for the Lions to address their pass-rush woes. The 2024 draft class has several intriguing prospects at EDGE, some of whom could be available when the Lions make their selections. Given that the Lions hold multiple high draft picks, including the 6th overall pick in the first round, they have an excellent opportunity to bring in a player who can immediately contribute to their defense.
Some potential EDGE prospects in the 2024 draft include Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama), Tyree Wilson (Texas Tech), and Jalen Carter (Georgia). These players are all expected to be highly sought after and could provide the Lions with an immediate upgrade on the defensive line. By investing in one of these prospects, the Lions could add a player with superstar potential, but without the hefty price tag of a proven veteran.
Additionally, the Lions have shown a willingness to build through the draft, with Brad Holmes prioritizing young, cost-controlled players who can contribute to long-term success. This approach has already paid dividends with players like Hutchinson, Rodriguez, and others, and it’s likely to continue being a core strategy moving forward. Drafting an EDGE rusher this year would align with that philosophy while providing the team with a potential game-changer in the trenches.
While the Detroit Lions are undeniably in need of an upgrade at EDGE, the likelihood of them adding a “superstar” pass rusher this offseason is low. Between salary cap limitations, the financial landscape of the roster, and the limited availability of elite talent on the market, the Lions are unlikely to make a huge splash at the position. Instead, they are more likely to focus on a combination of developing young talent like Aidan Hutchinson, addressing the position through the draft, and possibly adding a mid-tier free agent who can provide depth and competition.
By taking this approach, the Lions can continue to build a well-rounded roster that can compete in the NFC North and beyond, without overcommitting resources to a position that may be more effectively addressed through other means.
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