The Detroit Lions Defense: Separating Fact from Fiction

A Divided Fanbase The discourse surrounding the Detroit Lions defense is a fascinating case study in perception versus reality. On one side, a large portion of fans believes the unit is fundamentally strong and expects a resurgence once key players return from injury. On the other side, skeptics argue that the defense has regressed to its 2021 form, dismissing last season’s top-five defensive ranking in DVOA as an anomaly. This debate has intensified as General Manager Brad Holmes refrains from making a splashy acquisition at the edge rusher position. But are these concerns warranted? Let’s take a closer look.

The Unrealistic Expectations of Free Agency Many Lions fans have clamored for an elite pass rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson, pointing to names like Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett, and Trey Hendrickson as potential targets. However, the reality is that acquiring any of these players was never truly feasible.

• Maxx Crosby: The Raiders never intended to move him, securing his services with a lucrative three-year, $106.5 million extension.
• Myles Garrett: Despite rumors of the Lions making inquiries, the Browns firmly shut down trade talks and committed to Garrett with a five-year, $125 million extension.
• Trey Hendrickson: While a trade seemed plausible, the Bengals have historically been one of the most reluctant teams to part with star players, and reports suggest they’re now looking to extend Hendrickson instead.

The harsh truth is that premier edge rushers are rarely available, and when they are, the asking price is astronomical. Holmes himself acknowledged this at the 2025 NFL Combine, explaining the inherent difficulty in acquiring top-tier pass rushers due to their scarcity and financial demands.

Lackluster Free Agency Options Even if the Lions had turned to free agency, the pickings were slim. While big names like Joey Bosa and Von Miller were technically available, neither is the dominant force they once were. Other options, such as Josh Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo, commanded contracts well above market value due to the weak free-agent class.

This leaves the Lions in a tricky spot: overspend on an average talent or look toward a more sustainable solution.

The Draft: Detroit’s Best Bet for a Pass Rusher If Holmes has proven anything during his tenure, it’s that he excels at drafting talent. The Lions’ best path forward is to find Hutchinson’s running mate in the upcoming NFL Draft. With a strong defensive class, there’s a good chance Detroit can secure an impact player without breaking the bank.

Instead of panicking over a slow start to free agency, fans should place their trust in Holmes’ draft acumen. After all, he’s built this roster into a contender through smart, calculated decisions rather than reactionary spending.

Conclusion: Patience is Key While concerns about the Lions’ pass rush are valid, the narrative that Holmes has failed is misguided. The options fans wanted were never realistic, and free agency didn’t offer a viable solution. The best approach is to let the draft play out and see how the front office addresses the need before passing judgment. With Hutchinson already anchoring the line, adding another young, talented rusher could be the final piece to solidifying the Lions’ defense for years to come.