With the 2025 offseason approaching, the Detroit Lions are expected to prioritize strengthening their pass rush, a weakness that hampered them throughout the 2024 season.
Despite missing a significant portion of the season, Aidan Hutchinson led the team in sacks, underscoring the lack of a dominant secondary pass rusher. Addressing this issue will be crucial, and the Lions will have several avenues to explore, including trades and free agency.
One name that has surfaced as a strong potential fit is Khalil Mack, a former Defensive Player of the Year and current Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher. Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus (PFF) identified the Lions as a logical landing spot for Mack, highlighting his ability to make an impact despite a dip in production last season.
In 2023, Mack delivered a stellar campaign, recording 17 sacks, 74 tackles, and five forced fumbles. While his numbers declined in 2024—finishing with six sacks and 49 pressures—he still led all edge rushers with six batted passes, per PFF.
A key factor in his statistical drop-off was a significant reduction in playing time, as he logged 318 fewer snaps than the previous season. Additionally, the Chargers’ defensive strategy shifted, with their blitz rate decreasing from 31.5% in 2023 to 23.8% in 2024.
Conversely, the Lions maintained an aggressive approach, boasting the league’s second-highest blitz rate at 34.6%. This system could provide Mack with more opportunities to thrive, especially with opposing offenses directing their attention toward Hutchinson.
Though Mack would come with a hefty price tag, he could be a valuable investment for a Lions team looking to overhaul its defense following a disappointing playoff exit. While trade options remain on the table, Mack stands out as one of the best free agents available, making him a player Detroit should seriously consider if they pursue reinforcements via the open market.
