The Detroit Lions showcased a strong determination throughout the 2024 season. Their impressive performance over the 18 weeks of the regular season secured them the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs, making them the favorite to reach the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history.
Expectations remained high as the Lions hosted the upstart Washington Commanders in the divisional round. However, Washington was unfazed by Detroit’s regular-season success, and head coach Dan Quinn’s squad came prepared to compete.
Plagued by defensive injuries, the Lions fell behind in the second quarter and were forced into an unfamiliar position of playing catch-up. This disrupted their rhythm, and they couldn’t recover. The Commanders shocked the home crowd with a 45-31 victory, ending Detroit’s season abruptly.
Injuries hurt Lions, and they must trade for key players
Detroit’s general manager Brad Holmes pointed to key defensive injuries as a major factor in the team’s struggles late in the season, including their playoff exit.
While Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell hope for better health in 2025, injuries to players like star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson (broken leg), cornerback Carlton Davis (jaw), CB Khalil Dorsey (ankle), DT Alim McNeil (knee), DT Kyle Peko (pectoral), and DE Marcus Davenport (triceps) proved costly. The Lions cannot afford to rely solely on optimism.
Instead, Detroit must acquire two defensive players to bolster their roster: LB-Edge Rusher Josh Sweat of the Philadelphia Eagles and CB Rasul Douglas of the Buffalo Bills. Both are set to become free agents on March 12, 2025.
Trading for them before free agency might not cost the Lions much, as their contracts are nearing expiration. If Detroit secures these players and offers long-term deals, their defense could see a significant improvement.
Josh Sweat is a dynamic player, while Rasul Douglas could strengthen pass coverage
Detroit needs additional support in rushing the passer. Hutchinson, if healthy, could deliver double-digit sacks, but he would benefit greatly from a capable partner.
Sweat, listed as a linebacker for the Eagles, excels in pass rushing. In 2024, he recorded 8.0 sacks, 41 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 2 passes defensed. Pairing him with Hutchinson could elevate Detroit’s pass rush to new heights.
Pass coverage needs improvement
The Lions struggled in several games due to poor pass coverage. For example, Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen dismantled their secondary, completing 23 of 34 passes for 362 yards and 2 touchdowns without being intercepted or sacked.
Their issues persisted in a late-season win over the 49ers and the playoff loss to Washington. Acquiring Rasul Douglas could provide a significant boost.
Douglas, traded to Buffalo in 2023, performed well for the Bills. In 2024, he recorded 5 passes defensed and 58 tackles. Although he didn’t intercept any passes last season, Douglas has achieved as many as 5 interceptions in two separate years.
Securing both Sweat and Douglas and signing them to extensions could be game-changing moves for the Lions.
