NFL Analyst Sees Super Bowl Standout as Perfect Fit for Lions in Free Agency
Josh Sweat should be on the Detroit Lions’ radar in free agency, and one analyst believes he’d be an ideal addition.
Josh Sweat restructured his deal with the Philadelphia Eagles last offseason, signing a one-year, $10 million contract that put him in a “prove-it” scenario. He responded by delivering, recording 54 quarterback pressures and eight sacks in the regular season just as he approached free agency.
On football’s biggest stage in Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sweat shined, racking up 2.5 sacks and six pressures on Patrick Mahomes. His performance made a compelling case for MVP honors—one that arguably should have been rewarded.
Now the top edge rusher available in free agency, Sweat fits a major need for the Lions. The team has made half-measured attempts to bolster the pass rush, aside from injury-driven signings this past season and the acquisition of Za’Darius Smith. It’s time for Detroit to take a more decisive step.
While some may advocate for the Lions to pursue a blockbuster trade for a premier edge rusher like Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, or Trey Hendrickson, Sweat should be on their radar as a free-agent target.
Analyst Sees Sweat as an Ideal Match for the Lions
Mitch Milani of Bleacher Report has predicted free-agent landing spots and sees Sweat as a great fit for the Lions.
“I see him as a strong fit in Detroit. He has the perfect skill set to complement Aidan Hutchinson. He’s not a dominant pass rusher, but he capitalizes on matchups—as we saw in the Super Bowl. If given a one-on-one opportunity, he’ll thrive. He can win with finesse, bend, and power, showcasing a well-rounded arsenal of moves. Hutchinson, one of the NFL’s top pass rushers, constantly faces double teams. Detroit could greatly benefit from another rusher on the opposite side who can take advantage of those situations.”
Of course, any discussion about the Lions signing Sweat must factor in his potential cost.
Spotrac projects Sweat’s market value at $18.8 million per year on a three-year, $56.47 million contract. Cap expert Josh Queipo estimates a three-year, $50.2 million deal ($16.75 million annually). Compared to top-tier edge rushers like Garrett, Sweat would come at a more reasonable price.
If the Lions express interest in Sweat—and they should—competition for his signature will be fierce. The question is how far they’d be willing to go in a bidding war. Still, the fit appears mutually beneficial.