After a painful playoff loss, the Detroit Lions enter the offseason with a clear focus: to create a team capable of competing for and winning a Super Bowl. With their core players in place, the next challenge is making smart moves to strengthen key areas, enhance depth, and ensure they can compete with the NFL’s elite teams.
One of the most critical areas to address is the pass rush. A dominant edge rusher can completely change the course of a defense, and the Lions need to secure a player who can generate constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Additionally, the offensive line requires some fine-tuning, with particular attention to bringing back veteran Kevin Zeitler and finding a solution to Graham Glasgow’s struggles.
The Detroit Lions’ defensive line has shown promise but still lacks a true game-changer. This offseason, Brad Holmes should focus on acquiring an elite pass rusher to elevate the defense to Super Bowl contender status.
Here are some top-tier pass rusher options for the Lions to consider:
Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns): One of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL, Garrett can disrupt any offense. His speed and power make him an ideal fit for Detroit’s edge rush. Pairing Garrett with Aidan Hutchinson would create one of the league’s most formidable pass-rush duos.
Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys): Parsons is a versatile hybrid linebacker/edge rusher, capable of changing the game from anywhere on the field. While the Cowboys may be hesitant to part with him, he would be a massive addition to Detroit’s defense.
Maxx Crosby (Las Vegas Raiders): Crosby has been a consistent force for the Raiders and would fit perfectly in Detroit’s system, providing a relentless motor and strong run defense to complement the pass rush.
Trey Hendrickson (Cincinnati Bengals): Hendrickson has posted impressive sack numbers year after year. Though he may be less expensive than others, he could provide much-needed veteran leadership and depth on the edge.
Any of these players would boost the Lions’ pass rush to elite status and provide a potential game-winner for years to come. Acquiring one of them should be a top priority, whether through trade or free agency.
Bring Back Kevin Zeitler and Replace Graham Glasgow
The Detroit Lions’ offensive line has been one of the team’s strengths, but questions remain about the guard position. Brad Holmes should prioritize re-signing Kevin Zeitler and finding a long-term solution to replace Graham Glasgow.
Kevin Zeitler: Zeitler, who joined the Lions in 2024, has been a stabilizing presence on the offensive line. After an impressive season, Detroit should prioritize re-signing him. Zeitler’s experience and consistency in both pass protection and the running game make him a key leader for the line.
Graham Glasgow: Glasgow’s return to Detroit hasn’t gone as expected. Struggling at left guard in 2024, the Lions may want to move on from him, especially with Christian Mahogany ready to step into a starting role. If Mahogany isn’t ready, the team will need to find either a free agent or a draft pick to fill Glasgow’s spot.
Here are a few potential solutions:
Free Agency: The Lions could target free agents like Trey Smith from the Chiefs or Will Fries from the Colts, both of whom would provide solid veterans for the left guard spot.
Draft: If the Lions prefer to draft a replacement, players like Tyler Booker (Alabama), Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon), or Donovan Jackson (Ohio State) could fit well. All bring physicality and versatility, making them strong options for Detroit.
Strengthening the guard position and retaining Zeitler will help maintain the strength of the Lions’ offensive line, ensuring quarterback Jared Goff has ample time to lead the team to success.
Build Depth on the Defensive Line Through the Draft and Free Agency
While securing a top pass rusher is vital, the Lions also need to add depth along the defensive line. The departure of veterans and the aging of certain players mean the team could benefit from injecting some fresh talent into the rotation. Detroit must focus on creating a deep defensive front that remains aggressive and fresh throughout the season.
.Kenneth Grant (Michigan): Grant has been a dominant force at Michigan, excelling as a run stopper. Adding him to the defensive line would be a major boost for Detroit.
Tyleik Williams (Ohio State): Williams is a talented defensive tackle who can disrupt both the run and the pass, offering needed depth on the interior.
Milton Williams (Eagles): Williams can generate pressure up the middle and could provide a solid replacement for D.J. Reader if the Lions make him a cap casualty, or if Alim McNeill is unavailable for an extended period.
Calais Campbell: Despite being on the older side, Campbell is a proven force against the run and could add veteran leadership to Detroit’s defensive front.
Revamp the Cornerback Position: Depth and Competition Needed
The Lions should address the cornerback position, which requires both depth and competition. If they can’t re-sign CB Carlton Davis or if he becomes too expensive, adding another reliable cornerback through free agency or the draft should be a priority.
D.J. Reed (Jets): Reed is an underrated corner who would be a great addition to the Lions’ secondary, especially if Davis leaves.
Charvarius Ward (49ers): Though Ward wasn’t as effective in 2024, he would still be a solid addition to the Lions’ secondary.
Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame): Morrison is a physical corner with the tools to be a long-term asset for the Lions. They may need to select him in the first round to secure his services.
Trey Amos (Ole Miss): With solid size and skills, Amos could be a great second-round target for the Lions if they want to add a corner.
To truly compete for a Super Bowl in 2025, the Lions must be aggressive in their offseason strategy. Adding a game-changing pass rusher, retaining Zeitler, and replacing Glasgow will form a solid foundation.
Enhancing the defensive line and cornerback depth will round out the roster and put the team in a strong position for another playoff push. With Brad Holmes in charge, Detroit is building something special—and the 2025 offseason could be the key to unlocking their Super Bowl potential.