Acquire Experienced Pass Rusher Following Outstanding Season
The Detroit Lions have discovered a talented edge rusher in Aidan Hutchinson, but have faced challenges over two seasons in finding a consistent pass rusher to complement him.
According to one source, the team may consider targeting a veteran who had a career-best season with the Buffalo Bills.
Jared Ramsey of the Detroit Free Press analyzed the team’s offseason needs, highlighting the Lions’ struggles in pass defense and generating consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Ramsey proposed the idea of pursuing edge rusher Leonard Floyd, who achieved double-digit sacks with the Bills in 2023.
Ramsey outlined that the Lions could explore several options among free-agent defensive linemen, such as Calais Campbell or Jadaveon Clowney, but singled out Floyd as the top potential addition. He acknowledged that while Floyd, the former Los Angeles Rams pass rusher, wouldn’t come cheap, he could significantly bolster the Detroit defense.
“Though he will be 32 in September, Floyd racked up 10½ sacks this season for the Bills,” Ramsey noted. “His projected 2024 contract stands at two years and $16.2 million, averaging $8.1 million per year, as per Spotrac.”
Floyd has expressed his intention not to offer the Bills a hometown discount, stating after the team’s playoff exit that he intends to pursue the best offer available.
“For me, I’m always following the money. I’d prefer to stay here, but it’s a business. I’ll go wherever my agent believes we can secure the best deal,” Floyd said, via the Democrat & Chronicle.
Alternatively, the Lions could opt to strengthen their pass rush through the draft, akin to their selection of Hutchinson and fellow second-year player James Houston, who exhibited flashes of star potential in his rookie season but faced injury setbacks.
Christian Booher of SI.com’s All Lions suggested that the team might consider targeting UCLA’s Laiatu Latu, projected as a late first-round pick. While securing Latu may require the Lions to move up in the draft, Booher proposed in November that Latu could be a suitable fit for Detroit after overcoming a preseason neck injury in 2020 and returning from a medical retirement in college.
“Latu showcases elite quickness and a knack for reaching the quarterback, coupled with sure-tackling abilities that have yielded 18.5 tackles for loss this season alone,” Booher stated, adding, “Although concerns regarding his durability stemming from his injury could impact his draft stock, his recent performance seems to counter those doubts. He has appeared in all 23 possible games over the last two seasons, indicating durability isn’t a significant concern.”
Latu is determined to prove himself in the NFL after enduring two years away from football while recovering from his neck injury.
“During the time I wasn’t playing football, I maintained the determination and mindset that I would return to play football and demonstrate to the world what I am capable of,” Latu remarked, via The Associated Press.
