Is Joey Bosa the Answer to Detroit Lions’ Pass-Rush Need?

The Detroit Lions are one of the NFL’s most storied franchises but have struggled to find long-term success in recent years. While the team has had flashes of promise, one area that has consistently held them back is their defense. Among the key weaknesses, the pass-rush has stood out as an area that needs improvement. Over the years, the Lions have tried various strategies to bolster their defensive line and increase their sack totals, but they have been largely unsuccessful in finding a true game-changer.

Joey Bosa, a dominant pass-rusher for the Los Angeles Chargers, has been one of the top names in the NFL when it comes to rushing the quarterback. With the Lions’ ongoing need for a consistent and elite pass-rusher, the question arises: is Joey Bosa the answer to Detroit’s pass-rush problem?

A Brief Look at the Detroit Lions’ Pass-Rush History

Before diving into whether Joey Bosa is the right fit, it’s important to understand the Lions’ historical issues with their pass rush. Since the early 2000s, the Lions have struggled to consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Despite having some high draft picks and talented players like Ndamukong Suh, Ezekiel Ansah, and others, the team has consistently ranked in the lower half of the league in terms of sacks.

Over the years, Detroit’s inability to get to the quarterback has contributed to their lack of playoff success. Pass rush is one of the most important factors in a defense’s ability to win games, as it directly impacts a quarterback’s ability to perform. Pressure on the QB leads to more hurried throws, turnovers, and, ultimately, wins. Thus, the Lions have spent considerable time trying to address this glaring need.

Joey Bosa’s Impact in the NFL

Joey Bosa was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2016 with the third overall pick. From the moment he stepped onto the field, Bosa made an immediate impact as one of the NFL’s premier pass-rushers. His combination of size, strength, and explosiveness made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.

Bosa’s ability to get after the quarterback is evident in his career statistics. By the end of the 2024 season, he had accumulated 60.5 sacks in just 8 seasons, making him one of the most consistent and dominant pass rushers of his era. His ability to disrupt the pocket and change the game is unquestioned. Over his career, Bosa has consistently been among the top sack leaders in the league and is recognized as one of the best edge defenders in the NFL.

Bosa’s ability to play on both the left and right side of the defensive line gives him flexibility, allowing defensive coordinators to use him in various ways to maximize his potential. His quickness off the line, coupled with an impressive array of pass-rush moves, makes him a dangerous threat in any situation.

Beyond just sacks, Bosa’s presence in the pocket has forced numerous quarterback pressures, hurries, and quarterback hits. His physicality and relentless motor allow him to break through even the toughest offensive lines, putting pressure on quarterbacks and forcing them into uncomfortable situations.

Detroit Lions’ Need for Pass-Rush Help

Heading into the 2025 season, the Lions’ pass rush remains an area of concern. While they have some promising players, such as Aidan Hutchinson, who showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie year, they still lack the kind of dominant pass rusher who can consistently change games. Hutchinson has shown that he could develop into a franchise cornerstone on the defensive line, but he alone cannot carry the weight of Detroit’s pass-rush woes.

In 2024, the Lions ranked 26th in the NFL in sacks with just 36, a significant gap between them and the league’s elite defenses. Though the team has made strides in improving their defensive line with the addition of other players, they are still lacking the kind of pressure that Joey Bosa could provide.

Detroit needs a player who can create consistent havoc in the backfield, forcing quarterbacks to make quick decisions, create turnovers, and disrupt the flow of opposing offenses. With the NFL becoming more of a passing league, the importance of a strong pass rush cannot be overstated. The Lions’ defense, particularly their pass rush, is the one area that, if improved, could elevate them from a middle-of-the-pack team to playoff contenders.

How Joey Bosa Fits the Detroit Lions’ Needs

Joey Bosa’s style of play and his proven track record of success make him a perfect fit for the Detroit Lions. The Lions need someone who can take pressure off their young cornerbacks and safeties, making life easier for the secondary. Bosa’s ability to rush the passer and wreak havoc on the quarterback would instantly elevate the defense’s overall performance.

Bosa’s ability to generate pressure from both the edge and the interior is a massive advantage. While Hutchinson is a more traditional edge rusher, Bosa has the versatility to line up in various spots along the defensive line, which could confuse offensive coordinators and give defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn more flexibility in game-planning.

Moreover, Bosa’s experience in high-pressure situations would be invaluable to the Lions. He has played in multiple playoff games with the Chargers, and his experience could help mentor the younger players on the Lions’ roster, especially Hutchinson, in terms of technique and mental preparation.

Additionally, Bosa’s ability to both contain the edge and collapse the pocket would be a significant upgrade over what Detroit has had in recent years. His presence would not only increase sack totals but would also result in more tipped passes, batted balls, and turnovers, which are all crucial for defensive success.

Potential Trade or Signing?

One question that looms is whether Bosa could be available to the Lions. As of now, Bosa is under contract with the Chargers. However, the Chargers have been in a somewhat tenuous position in recent years with respect to their salary cap and long-term planning. While they may not be actively shopping Bosa, they have had to make difficult decisions about player contracts and team-building over the past few seasons.

If the Chargers were to entertain trade talks, Bosa would certainly generate significant interest around the league. His age (26 years old in 2025), combined with his proven ability, would make him one of the most sought-after players on the trade market. The Lions, with their improved roster and a need for a premier pass rusher, could look to make a move to acquire Bosa. A trade would likely require a mix of high draft picks and/or promising young players, but the Lions’ front office may decide that a proven pass-rusher like Bosa is worth the investment, particularly if they believe he could be the missing piece to push them into playoff contention.

Alternatively, if the Chargers decide to move on from Bosa through a free-agent release or salary cap maneuvering, the Lions would be in a strong position to make a bid for his services. Signing him as a free agent would likely involve a significant financial commitment, but with the Lions looking to contend sooner rather than later, bringing in a player like Bosa could be the kind of splash move that changes the direction of the franchise.

Challenges to the Fit

Of course, there are challenges to acquiring Joey Bosa, particularly when it comes to the financial commitment and potential trade compensation. The Lions would need to determine whether the price is worth the potential return, considering how much of their salary cap space they are willing to allocate toward a single player. The defense has other needs beyond the pass rush, so the Lions would need to carefully balance their roster-building approach.

Another challenge is Bosa’s injury history. While he has generally been durable, he has missed significant time in the past due to injuries. The Lions would need to assess whether Bosa’s injury risk would be a concern, especially considering his age and the physical demands of the position. Any injury issues would need to be carefully evaluated before making such a high-profile investment.

Joey Bosa represents one of the top pass-rushers in the NFL, and his skill set is exactly what the Detroit Lions need to bolster their defense. With the Lions’ struggles to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback, Bosa’s arrival would instantly upgrade their pass rush and make the defense a much more formidable unit.

While there are hurdles to acquiring him, whether via trade or free agency, Bosa’s proven ability to disrupt the pocket and create havoc on quarterbacks makes him a prime target for any team, including the Lions. If the Lions can make the right financial and strategic moves, Joey Bosa could very well be the solution to their pass-rush woes.

For the Detroit Lions, the acquisition of Joey Bosa could signal a major shift in the trajectory of their defense, helping them take the next step in their quest for playoff contention and beyond.