With expectations sky-high for the 2025 NFL season, the Detroit Lions are once again in the conversation as serious Super Bowl contenders in the NFC.
After wrapping up the previous regular season with a dominant 15-2 record, Detroit’s postseason hopes were quickly dashed. The team was eliminated by a surging Washington Commanders squad, led by standout rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Now entering a fresh campaign, head coach Dan Campbell and the Lions are determined to rebound and erase the sting of that early playoff exit.
As training camp draws near, Detroit is a team to monitor for potential late roster additions—especially on defense. A specific area of concern remains the pass rush.
Last season, Aidan Hutchinson—Detroit’s defensive cornerstone—suffered a devastating leg injury. In response, the Lions traded for Za’Darius Smith to help plug the gap. However, Smith has yet to sign a new contract and remains a free agent heading into the season.
That leaves the Lions still in need of experienced reinforcements up front.
In that context, Detroit has been linked as a possible destination for veteran pass rusher Von Miller, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection known for his time with the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills.
CBS Sports analyst John Breech recently highlighted Miller as a fit for the Lions, citing Detroit’s challenging quarterback schedule as a driving factor.
“Look at the quarterbacks the Lions have to face this year—Mahomes, Burrow, Jackson, Hurts, Love, Stafford, and Prescott,” Breech noted. “You need guys who can create pressure. Outside of Hutchinson, Detroit’s options are limited.”
Breech added that with Hutchinson still recovering from a serious tibia and fibula injury, the Lions could benefit from extra insurance on the edge.
If signed, Miller wouldn’t be expected to play every down. Rather, he could focus on key passing situations where his experience and technique still shine.
In 2024, Miller appeared in 13 games with Buffalo, finishing the year with 17 total tackles and six sacks. While he’s not the dominant force he once was, his presence could be a valuable asset—especially if brought in on a short-term deal to deepen Detroit’s defensive rotation.
Whether the Lions ultimately pursue him remains to be seen, but the fit makes plenty of sense on paper.
