As the Detroit Lions evaluate ways to strengthen their defensive front, Pro Football Focus has identified them as an ideal landing spot for veteran pass rusher Khalil Mack.
With free agency approaching, the Lions will soon face key decisions about their roster. Historically, the team has taken a conservative approach to spending, opting for undervalued or injury-recovering players rather than high-profile veterans. However, with Detroit now emerging as a legitimate Super Bowl contender, that strategy could shift in 2025.
A primary area of focus is the edge rusher position, and PFF’s Mason Cameron has singled out Mack as a prime target for the Lions.
“Detroit may not have the same cap flexibility as Washington, but they offer a significant advantage: the chance to play alongside an elite edge rusher, giving Mack more one-on-one opportunities.
Pairing Mack with Aidan Hutchinson could create a formidable duo, reinforcing a pass rush that struggled when Hutchinson was sidelined early in the 2024 season,” Cameron explained.
Mack has already been linked to Detroit as a potential addition. In 2024, he recorded six sacks, a dip from his 17-sack performance in 2023, but he has still proven to be a capable disruptor at 33 years old. Whether the Lions pursue a cost-effective move for Mack or go after a marquee name like Myles Garrett remains uncertain.
Lions Also Considered a Fit for Haason Reddick
Another name connected to Detroit’s pass rush needs is Haason Reddick, a former Eagles star who spent 2024 with the Jets after a midseason trade. The Lions reportedly explored acquiring Reddick at the trade deadline but ultimately did not move forward due to complications with the Jets’ prior trade agreement with Philadelphia.
“Following Aidan Hutchinson’s injury, Lions GM Brad Holmes looked into trading for Reddick,” Cameron noted. “However, due to a clause in the original trade, New York would have had to send a 2026 second-round pick to the Eagles if they moved him back to the NFC.
Now that Reddick is set to enter free agency, that roadblock is gone, and Holmes could revisit the possibility of bringing in the former second-team All-Pro.”
Reddick had a quiet 2024 campaign, managing just one sack in 10 games while dealing with contractual disputes. However, at 30 years old, he has a strong track record, including an 11-sack season in 2023, making him a strong bounce-back candidate.
Regardless of their approach, the Lions have multiple options to revamp their pass rush heading into 2025.
