The Detroit Lions have long been reminded — both internally and externally — that bolstering their edge depth remains a top priority.
Much of the offseason discussion has centered around veteran defensive end Za’Darius Smith, whom Detroit acquired before last year’s trade deadline. Smith finished 2024 with nine total sacks split between his time with the Lions and the Cleveland Browns. General manager Brad Holmes has acknowledged that conversations with Smith’s camp are ongoing, leaving open the possibility of a reunion.
Free agents like Matthew Judon have already signed elsewhere, and pass-rushing star Trey Hendrickson has sat on the trade block without the Lions making a move. Whether because of price or preference, Detroit hasn’t pulled the trigger on a major addition yet. As of late August, bringing Smith back still seems the most realistic path. Even so, relying solely on a 33-year-old veteran won’t solve everything — depth remains a pressing issue.
According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, one possible solution could come via a trade with the New England Patriots for outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings.
Jennings Wouldn’t Fix the Pass Rush, But Could Stabilize the Run Defense
Jennings, 28, is entering the second year of a three-year, $12 million contract. Thanks to bonuses already paid by New England, his deal is more team-friendly than it looks on paper, with a $2.5 million salary in 2025 — half of which is guaranteed.
A former third-round pick of Bill Belichick, Jennings played 831 defensive snaps last season and registered nine quarterback hits. He isn’t known for getting after the passer, but his strength lies in setting the edge and stopping the run. Barnwell argues that Jennings could be a valuable depth piece for Detroit, especially with Josh Paschal expected to miss time and Marcus Davenport struggling with injuries, having suited up just six times in the last two years.
Barnwell’s mock trade suggests Detroit could acquire Jennings and a seventh-round pick in exchange for a sixth-rounder.
A Thin but Talented Edge Unit
Jennings alone wouldn’t transform the Lions’ pass rush, but he could provide stability in a unit that has battled health concerns. Ideally, Detroit would pair his run-stopping presence with the return of Smith, whose 63 quarterback pressures in 2024 were among the best at the position.
Add a healthy Aidan Hutchinson, and the Lions boast one of the league’s top young disruptors. Still, injuries remain the wild card. That’s partly why Detroit invested a sixth-round pick in Ahmed Hassanein out of Boise State. Hassanein recorded 115 pressures and 22 sacks over his final two college seasons, giving the Lions another developmental option on the edge.
Whether Detroit leans on Smith, makes a depth trade for Jennings, or sees an immediate contribution from Hassanein, the team’s defensive front will play a huge role in determining how far it can go in 2025.
