As the Detroit Lions prepare for the upcoming season, the return of Aidan Hutchinson from a major injury suffered in 2024 is expected to provide a huge lift to the defensive front. However, concerns remain about who will effectively line up opposite him on the edge.
The Lions have been actively searching for a reliable pass-rushing partner for Hutchinson, but consistent production from that spot has eluded them. One NFL analyst believes the team could fill that void by targeting a well-known veteran still available on the market.
Former Patriots Standout Seen as Ideal Fit for Detroit
Jeff Risdon of USA Today’s Lions Wire recently examined possible free-agent targets who could strengthen Detroit’s defense ahead of training camp. One name that stood out was Matthew Judon, a former standout for both the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons.
Judon, who previously signed a $54.5 million contract with New England, is still considered capable of making an impact despite a challenging 2024 season.
“Judon posted 15.5 sacks for the Patriots in 2022 and was leading the league in sacks in 2023 before a torn biceps sidelined him in Week 4,” Risdon wrote. “His brief stint with Atlanta last year wasn’t great (though few players thrived there), but given his size, skill, and experience, Judon could offer exactly the kind of veteran presence Detroit needs on the edge.”
A four-time Pro Bowler, Judon recorded 5.5 sacks and 41 tackles last season, also snagging an interception that he returned for a score.
Other Pass Rush Options on the Table
The Lions have taken other steps to bolster their edge-rushing corps in recent years. James Houston, for instance, showed promise with eight sacks over seven games in his rookie year, playing alongside Hutchinson. However, Houston’s performance dipped when used outside of obvious passing situations, and he was eventually let go last season.
If Detroit decides against pursuing Judon, they could consider bringing back Za’Darius Smith. Smith joined the Lions midseason last year following a trade and contributed four sacks down the stretch.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report suggested that Detroit should strongly consider re-signing Smith, especially as insurance while Hutchinson works his way back to full speed following his leg fracture.
“While having Hutchinson back healthy would be ideal, Detroit needs more firepower on the edge,” Knox noted. “The team managed just 37 sacks as a whole last season. Smith was second behind Hutchinson with only four sacks.”
Knox further suggested that Detroit should explore both the free-agent market and possible trades, naming Trey Hendrickson as a possible target.
Additionally, ESPN’s Matt Bowen pointed out that Smith could also play a mentorship role for rookie edge rusher Ahmed Hassanein, whom the Lions drafted out of Boise State in 2025.
“Given that Detroit only selected one edge rusher in this year’s draft, bringing back Smith on a new deal seems logical,” Bowen commented.
