The Detroit Lions have identified a former first-round selection who has recorded a minimum of eight sacks in each of the past two seasons as a potential target.
It is becoming increasingly improbable that the Detroit Lions will resolve their pass rush issue prior to the commencement of the NFL regular season.
They had a significant requirement for an edge rusher at the start of this offseason; however, they have yet to implement any measures that effectively resolved the matter.
Instead, they re-signed Marcus Davenport, who has been inconsistent when healthy and has suffered a plethora of injuries throughout his NFL tenure. Additionally, they allocated a sixth-round pick to Ahmed Hassanein.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine has a suggestion for a target who could assist the Lions in resolving their issue, and fans will be anticipating that the team will not replicate this strategy in the upcoming offseason.
In a recent article that addressed the long-term requirements of NFL teams, Ballentine identified an edge rusher as the Lions’ most pressing need during the 2026 offseason. He also identified Indianapolis Colts edge Kwity Paye as a potential target.
I am uncertain as to whether an edge rusher will be the team’s primary requirement during the upcoming offseason. Depending on the organization’s objectives for Tate Ratledge’s future, the Lions may require a center or guard.
However, it is inevitable that an edge rusher will be required.
The Lions have been in need of a pass rusher throughout the offseason, and I believe that in order to truly contend for a Super Bowl during the 2025 season, they will need to add a pass rusher to their roster between now and the trade deadline.
Nevertheless, it is probable that any player they acquire during that time frame will be a temporary rental, similar to Za’Darius Smith’s status last season.
This would propel them back into the chase for Paye in the upcoming offseason.
Since the Colts selected Paye with the 21st overall pick in 2021, he has proven to be a reliable investment.
He recorded eight sacks in 15 games this past season, following his 8.5 sacks in 2023.
Aye is not expected to be the standout player in his 2026 free agent class, as players such as Trey Hendrickson, Micah Parsons, Odafe Oweh, and Khalil Mack are scheduled to enter the market concurrently. Nevertheless, he may be the most intriguing alternative within the Lions’ price range.
They do not require a celebrity on the opposite side of their defensive line, as Aidan Hutchinson is already present on one side. They merely require an individual who can be relied upon to generate consistent output.
Paye may be that player, and although his cost will be high, the Lions should be able to negotiate a deal with him in the upcoming offseason.
Leave a Reply