After falling short of their ultimate goal in the 2024 season, the Detroit Lions are now focused on addressing their weaknesses. General manager Brad Holmes is tasked with evaluating what went wrong and making the necessary adjustments to push the team forward.
One major issue last season was injuries, particularly on defense. The Lions’ edge rushers were hit hard, with both Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport suffering season-ending injuries.
As the team looks ahead to 2025, Davenport is not expected to return. However, midseason acquisition Za’Darius Smith remains under contract and is projected to start opposite Hutchinson unless Detroit decides to move on from the veteran.
Despite Smith’s presence, the Lions still have a pressing need at edge rusher. Not only do they require more depth, but they also need a long-term solution at the position, as Smith is 32 and set to hit free agency in 2026.
According to FanSided’s Nick Villano, Detroit could target New York Giants pass rusher Azeez Ojulari in free agency. “The Lions are aiming to strengthen their depth chart,” Villano noted. “Getting Hutchinson back is huge, but they need more help generating pressure. Ojulari would add valuable depth to their rotation.”
A former second-round selection by the Giants in 2021, Ojulari made an immediate impact as a rookie. However, injuries plagued his next three seasons, limiting his availability. He missed 10 games in 2022, followed by six in both 2023 and 2024.
Ojulari appeared poised for a breakout in 2024 before a foot injury sidelined him for the final six games. Despite the setback, he managed six sacks in 11 games, his second-best season total after recording eight in his rookie year.
At just 24 years old, Ojulari presents a promising long-term option, but his durability is a legitimate concern—especially for a Lions team that struggled with injuries last season.
Spotrac projects that Ojulari could command a two-year, $15.1 million contract, a reasonable price given his potential. However, Detroit may hesitate to invest in another injury-prone edge rusher, given their experience with a similar gamble in 2024.
