Proposed Lions Signing Brings in $19 Million 9-Time Pro Bowl Edge Rusher Sporting News
The Detroit Lions entered the 2024 season with hopes of ending their Super Bowl drought, but their playoff run was cut short with a divisional-round loss to the Washington Commanders.
Fortunately, the team finds itself in a strong position to strengthen its roster this offseason and make another postseason push in 2025. According to Over the Cap, the Lions are expected to have approximately $45 million in cap space when free agency begins next month.
A key area for improvement is the edge rusher position. Aidan Hutchinson led the team in sacks despite suffering a season-ending injury early in October.
However, Marcus Davenport is heading to free agency and is unlikely to return after being sidelined for most of the season due to injury. Additionally, Za’Darius Smith, now 32, has only one year remaining on his contract.
Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut recently highlighted one free agent target for each team, naming Khalil Mack, the Los Angeles Chargers’ impending free agent, as a potential fit for the Lions.
Regarding Mack’s potential in Detroit, Johnson stated:
As Mack nears the end of his illustrious career, he is clearly focused on competing for a Super Bowl. He has proven to be most effective when paired with another top-tier pass rusher. Teaming him with Aidan Hutchinson would elevate Detroit’s pass rush significantly. Mack posted a 90.4 PFF grade last season, excelling both in run defense and as a pass rusher. He would be the ideal addition to the Lions’ defensive line and might be willing to sign a one-year contract, providing the team with long-term financial flexibility.
In 2024, Mack recorded 39 tackles, six sacks, six tackles for loss, and 15 quarterback hits. As Johnson mentioned, Mack’s overall PFF grade of 90.4 ranked fifth among 211 qualified edge rushers.
At 34 years old, Mack may be on the back end of his career, but he shows no signs of slowing down. He earned his ninth Pro Bowl selection in 2024 and has posted double-digit sacks in five different seasons.
Spotrac estimates Mack could secure a three-year deal worth $23.6 million annually. However, with Mack never advancing past the first round of the playoffs, he might be inclined to take a pay cut to join a championship contender.
Pairing Mack with Hutchinson would give the Lions one of the most formidable pass-rushing duos in the league. Mack’s career-high 17 sacks in 2023 alongside Joey Bosa with the Chargers suggests that teaming up with another elite pass rusher could yield similar results.