The Detroit Lions were active in free agency this offseason, shoring up several key positions. Cornerback D.J. Reed was added to reinforce the secondary alongside rookie Terrion Arnold, linebacker Grant Stuard was brought in as a special teams leader and depth piece, and veteran lineman Graham Glasgow returned to the roster following Frank Ragnow’s surprise retirement.
Detroit’s front office covered a lot of ground, but many assumed the team would also pursue a proven edge rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson. Instead, the Lions opted to rely on Marcus Davenport, who dedicated the offseason to staying healthy and positioning himself as the answer at the other defensive end spot.
When asked ahead of the Week 1 matchup against the Green Bay Packers why the Lions didn’t pursue veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith, head coach Dan Campbell summed it up in two words:
“We’re good.”
Lions Show Confidence in Their Defensive Front
The NFC North landscape has shifted dramatically in recent days. Green Bay made headlines by trading for All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons, locking him up long-term to boost their already talented defense. While health questions linger around Parsons as he gears up for his Packers debut at Lambeau Field, his addition makes Green Bay an even tougher rival in the division.
Detroit, meanwhile, is banking on Hutchinson returning to form after last season’s broken leg. The team believes he can deliver the dominant presence their secondary has lacked since that injury in 2024. If he does, it relieves some of the burden elsewhere on the defense.
The Lions also expect contributions from Davenport, defensive tackle D.J. Reader, and rookie Tyleik Williams, who could provide much-needed support for Hutchinson. If that group performs as planned, concerns about not signing Smith will quickly fade.
Of course, much depends on how these pieces come together. Week 1 will be the first real test, as Green Bay’s upgraded pass rush looks to put pressure on Jared Goff and Detroit’s retooled offensive line. For the Lions, proving they can stand tall without Smith will be key in showing the division that Campbell’s confidence is well-placed.
