The Detroit Lions had aspirations of reaching the Super Bowl in 2024, but their season ended in disappointment after falling to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round.
Despite the setback, the team is in a strong position to upgrade its roster during the offseason and make another playoff push in 2025. According to Over the Cap, Detroit is expected to have approximately $45 million in salary cap space when free agency begins next month.
One of the Lions’ most pressing needs is at the edge rusher position. Aidan Hutchinson led the team in sacks before his season was cut short due to injury in early October.
Meanwhile, Marcus Davenport, who barely saw the field because of injuries, is set to enter free agency and is unlikely to return. Additionally, Za’Darius Smith, now 32, has only one year remaining on his contract.
Sportsnaut’s Matt Johnson recently suggested an ideal free-agent signing for every NFL team. For the Lions, he highlighted Los Angeles Chargers veteran Khalil Mack as a strong potential addition.
Johnson noted that Mack, now nearing the final years of his career, would likely want to play for a contender and has been at his best when lined up alongside another elite pass rusher. Pairing him with Hutchinson could elevate Detroit’s pass rush significantly.
Mack received a 90.4 grade from Pro Football Focus last season, excelling in both run defense and pass rushing. Johnson also pointed out that Mack might consider a one-year contract, which would give the Lions financial flexibility moving forward.
During the 2024 season, Mack recorded 39 tackles, six sacks, six tackles for loss, and 15 quarterback hits. His PFF grade of 90.4 ranked fifth out of 211 qualified edge defenders. While he turns 34 before free agency begins, Mack continues to perform at an elite level, earning his ninth Pro Bowl selection in 2024 and posting double-digit sack totals in five different seasons.
Although Spotrac estimates that Mack could command a three-year contract worth approximately $23.6 million annually, his lack of playoff success may make him willing to take a pay cut to join a serious championship contender. If the Lions were to sign him, they would form one of the most dominant pass-rushing duos in the league.
In 2023, Mack set a career-high with 17 sacks while playing opposite Joey Bosa, showing that he thrives when paired with another high-caliber edge rusher. A similar dynamic in Detroit could yield major results.
