New York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari was among the final roster adjustments ahead of the team’s game against the Buffalo Bills.
The Detroit Lions have struggled for two seasons to find a consistent pass-rushing partner for Aidan Hutchinson. Despite numerous attempts, the search has not yet yielded long-term success.
A new report suggests the Lions might try again next offseason, targeting a young edge rusher experiencing a breakout year. According to Kris Knox of Bleacher Report, Azeez Ojulari could be an ideal addition for Detroit.
The Lions already secured Za’Darius Smith at the trade deadline and will have him for the next season. However, Knox argued Ojulari would be a more enduring solution.
“Smith will turn 33 at the start of next season, and Detroit should be looking for a younger long-term complement to Hutchinson,” Knox wrote. “With $65 million in projected 2025 cap space, Ojulari would be the perfect free agency target.”
Enhancing the Lions’ Defense
Ojulari made an impressive debut in 2021 with eight sacks but managed only 18 appearances over the subsequent two seasons. This year, he’s on track for a career-high performance, already accumulating six sacks.
“At just 24 years old, Ojulari is entering his prime,” Knox wrote. “Though injuries and a diminished role hindered him after his stellar rookie year, he’s proving to be a top-tier No. 2 edge rusher while stepping in for Kayvon Thibodeaux this season.”
Smith provides the Lions with a veteran pass-rusher during Hutchinson’s recovery from a fractured leg. However, Ojulari could become a long-term fixture on Detroit’s defensive line.
“Ojulari and Hutchinson could form a formidable duo for the next five years or more,” Knox noted.
While the Lions have improved their secondary, which was once among the NFL’s worst, they’ve struggled to establish consistency in their pass rush beyond Hutchinson’s emergence as a star.
Optimism for Aidan Hutchinson’s Comeback
Despite suffering a serious injury in October’s win over the Dallas Cowboys, Hutchinson retains a slim chance of returning this season — if the Lions make a historic playoff run.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on October 19 that Hutchinson’s injury, a clean fracture, offers a straightforward rehabilitation process, potentially allowing him to return for the Super Bowl.
“Several factors suggest Hutchinson could be back in four months, just in time for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on February 9, 2025 — assuming Detroit gets there,” Rapoport wrote.
“Though the injury was shocking to witness, the break was clean with no ligament or nerve damage, avoiding complications common with such severe injuries,” Rapoport explained.
