The Detroit Lions had some defensive gaps to fill last offseason, but they fell short in one key area.
Entering the 2024 offseason, the Lions identified two primary defensive needs: cornerback and edge rusher. While they quickly addressed both, questions arose about whether Marcus Davenport, given his injury history, was enough to bolster the edge alongside Aidan Hutchinson.
Those doubts persisted as training camp approached. Unfortunately, Davenport suffered a season-ending elbow/triceps injury in Week 3, a result of a fluke incident involving Cardinals tackle Paris Johnson.
The injury concerns with Davenport proved valid, and things worsened when Hutchinson broke his leg in Week 6. Adding to the woes, third-year player Josh Paschal also faced recurring injuries.
Before his injury, Hutchinson was on pace for a phenomenal season. Despite not playing since Week 6, he remained in the top 10 for edge rusher quarterback pressures (per Pro Football Focus) through Week 13.
Hutchinson has contributed 25% of the Lions’ sacks this season, with 7.5 out of the team’s total of 30. No other player on the roster has more than four sacks through Week 13.
The Lions’ 2024 Offseason Regret
In an analysis of offseason regrets for each NFC team, Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus pinpointed the Lions’ lack of depth at edge rusher as their biggest misstep.
“The Lions couldn’t have predicted Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending injury. However, their edge rusher depth was already thin, relying on Marcus Davenport, who had played 500-plus snaps only once in his career, to bounce back. After just 89 snaps, Davenport was lost for the season.
“While adding Za’Darius Smith helped, Detroit could have avoided the situation by drafting someone like Jonah Elliss or signing veterans like Calais Campbell or Chase Young.”
Reports suggest the Lions prioritized signing Davenport early in free agency, but his injury history made it clear that another edge rusher addition was necessary. Unfortunately, they didn’t act on it.
Even with a strong Thanksgiving performance by the defensive front, the Lions’ lack of depth at edge rusher remains a glaring issue. It’s a need they will have to address once again in the 2025 offseason.
