One of the most effective pass-rushers in the NFL right now is Aidan Hutchinson, but the Detroit Lions need to keep improving their pass rush if they want to keep moving forward with their Super Bowl aspirations.
Hutchinson recorded 11.5 sacks in his second NFL season the previous year, helping the Lions storm to the NFC Championship Game but ultimately losing to the San Francisco 49ers.
Even though the Lions signed Marcus Davenport, Detroit’s loss at San Francisco in the second half reinforced the idea that a contender cannot have too many pass rushers.
Bud Dupree may be able to help the Lions fill a critical need as free agency begins.
How Bud Dupree Could Solve Big Problem for Detroit Lions
In the motor city, Dupree and Hutchinson would form a fearsome pass-rush tandem.
Dupree and the Lions were selected as the best fit free agency combinations for Super Bowl contenders by Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox.
Knocks writes, “Last season, standout edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson led the Lions with an impressive 11.5 sacks.”He was the only player to top five sacks, though. Alim McNeill, a defensive lineman, had five, which put him second on the team.
“There’s room for another rotational edge, even if Detroit should have James Houston (ankle) healthy again next season and got Marcus Davenport via free agency.
Bud Dupree, who somewhat revived his career with the Falcons following a couple of underwhelming seasons with the Tennessee Titans, is someone the Lions should give serious consideration to.
Dupree recorded two forced fumbles, eight tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and 24 quarterback pressures by the end of the 2023 campaign. In 2019, while playing opposite great sack artist T.J. Watt, he recorded 11.5 sacks, which was his finest season to date.
Dupree would once again advantage from having a superior pass-rushing complement by teaming up with Hutchinson.
According to Pro Football Focus, Dupree added 38 total pressures in 433 pass-rush snaps last season, highlighting his disruptiveness in the backfield.
Dupree’s ability to provide strong pass-rush snaps makes him a great fit for the Lions, and the possibility of winning a Super Bowl ring in 2024 may put Detroit at the top of the veteran’s wish list.
