The Detroit Lions’ defense has often relied on the dynamic pass-rushing abilities of EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, but the team has struggled to find a consistent second pass rusher to pair with him.
Over the past few seasons, the Lions have experimented with several players in the “Robin” role next to Hutchinson. Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistency have kept the team from securing a reliable partner for their standout pass rusher. With Hutchinson performing admirably on his own, the Lions’ need for additional help on the edge is becoming more urgent.
Recently, a new veteran name has surfaced as a potential solution to this problem. In a recent article for Pro Football Network titled “1 Remaining Free Agent Every Team Should Sign Now,” writer Mark Stolte suggested that the Detroit Lions should look into signing veteran edge rusher Emmanuel Ogbah.
Ogbah, who last played with the Miami Dolphins, has shown moments of brilliance throughout his career. While he has been a reliable presence on the field at times, Ogbah’s status as a free agent means that he could be available for a reasonable cost. This is an attractive proposition for the Lions, especially as they focus on managing their salary cap in anticipation of future contract extensions for players like Aidan Hutchinson and Kerby Joseph.
Stolte emphasized that Ogbah’s affordability makes him an ideal target for the Lions. “The most important aspect of signing Ogbah is that he should be a really cheap option for Detroit,” Stolte wrote. Given that Detroit will soon have to pay significant salaries to their young, talented players, finding a veteran pass rusher at a low cost could prove to be a savvy move.
What makes Ogbah particularly appealing is his flexibility. He doesn’t necessarily need to be a starter from day one. Ogbah could fit into a rotational role, which would help keep the Lions’ edge rushers fresh throughout the season. Additionally, his experience could be valuable when injuries inevitably strike, as the Lions’ edge rusher group has experienced its fair share of setbacks in recent years.
While it remains uncertain whether this move will actually materialize, the connection between Ogbah and the Lions serves as a reminder that Detroit general manager Brad Holmes is likely exploring all options. With aspirations of competing for a Super Bowl, every addition to the roster could prove crucial for the Lions as they look to bolster their defense and become a more formidable team.
