Detroit Lions Face Depth Concerns on Defensive Line Ahead of 2025 Season

Injury Comebacks and Free Agency Decisions The Detroit Lions are entering the 2025 season with significant concerns regarding the depth of their defensive line. Several key players are returning from injuries, while the team faces crucial decisions on pending free agents. With uncertainty surrounding their roster, the Lions could look to free agency for reinforcements.

Sheldon Rankins as a Potential Addition One veteran option in free agency is Sheldon Rankins, who will be entering his 10th NFL season in 2025. A former first-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2016, Rankins has played for four different teams over his nine-year career. If the Lions seek experience and reliability, Rankins could be an attractive choice to bolster the defensive front.

Key Players That Could Impact Detroit’s Decision Whether the Lions pursue defensive line help will likely depend on their plans for Levi Onwuzurike, Kyle Peko, and John Cominsky. Onwuzurike is expected to command a significant salary in free agency, making him a potential departure. Meanwhile, Peko and Cominsky, both recovering from injuries sustained in 2024, could be retained on cost-effective deals.

Rankins’ Recent Performance and Injury History Rankins enters free agency after being released by the Cincinnati Bengals. In 2024, he played in just seven games due to a hamstring injury and a viral illness, managing only one sack and ten total tackles. This drop in production raises concerns about his effectiveness moving forward. However, he was highly productive in 2023 with the Houston Texans, registering 37 tackles and six sacks in 15 games.

Potential Role in Detroit’s Defensive Scheme At 31 years old, Rankins may no longer have the explosive first step that made him a dominant force earlier in his career. However, he still possesses pass-rushing ability and could fill a valuable role as a three-technique lineman. This would be particularly beneficial for the Lions, given the uncertainty surrounding Alim McNeill’s recovery from a torn ACL suffered late in the 2024 season.

Other Internal Options for the Lions Detroit also has second-year defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo returning, though he too is recovering from a knee injury sustained in the latter half of 2024. If both McNeill and Wingo are not at full strength by the start of the season, the Lions may need to bring in a veteran presence like Rankins to provide stability and experience.

Could a One-Year Deal Make Sense? Given his recent injury history and declining production, Rankins is unlikely to command a lucrative long-term contract. The Lions could take a calculated risk by signing him to a one-year deal with a low base salary and performance-based incentives. This would allow them to add depth without overcommitting financially.

Final Thoughts on Detroit’s Defensive Line Outlook The Lions’ approach to their defensive line situation will depend on a combination of injury recoveries, free agency decisions, and available cap space. While Rankins may not be a game-changing addition, he could provide valuable depth and experience at a reasonable cost. As Detroit looks to solidify its roster ahead of the 2025 season, the defensive line remains an area to watch closely.