With Dan Campbell forming a new team, and Amon-Ra St. Brown expressing confidence in the potential of a healthy Detroit Lions squad, the outlook for 2025 seems promising. Here are two clever and valuable free agents that the Lions should acquire.
Heading into the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the NFC, the Lions were defeated in an upset by the Commanders. However, if they restore their defense to full strength and acquire the right players, they could become a threat once more.
The top player the Lions ought to pursue is edge rusher Khalil Mack. He’s an 11-year veteran eager to experience postseason triumph following nine Pro Bowl seasons.
Chargers Khalil Mack would fit with Lions
Entering the playoffs as the top seed in the NFC, the Lions were surprised by an upset from the Commanders. However, if they can restore their defense to full strength and acquire the right additions, they might become a formidable force once more.
The top player the Lions ought to pursue is edge rusher Khalil Mack. He’s an 11-year veteran eager to experience postseason success following nine Pro Bowl seasons.
Chargers’ Khalil Mack would be a good match for the Lions.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) evades Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) while scrambling in the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
The Lions might benefit from having a player like Mack to make it even harder for rival offenses as they attempt to deal with Aidan Hutchinson on the opposite side.
Jim Harbaugh’s remarks on a post by Kris Rhim affirm that there’s no question Mack still possesses the capability to thrive in the NFL.
Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz stated that they wish to bring Khalil Mack back. Hortiz mentioned that he has already messaged Mack about having a conversation soon.
Harbaugh: “I’m not sure if we can bring everyone back, but I aim to get as close as we can … especially Khalil Mack.”
Mack is just one season away from achieving a career-best total of 17 sacks. In 2024, he recorded just six, but his Pro Bowl recognition highlights additional contributions he made. Intercepting nine passes and causing two fumbles were included in that combination.
Could proposed plans influence the Chargers’ decision on re-signing Mack?
Nonetheless, the Chargers are said to be considering a possible replacement for Mack if they select Michigan edge rusher Josaiah Stewart with their first-round pick. That’s an option, as stated by Cynthia Frelund from nfl.com.
“Don’t be deceived by the size (6-1, 245); the important metrics are all present for Stewart,” Frelund stated. “Explode?” Verify. Stopping the run? Verify. … You understand. The Michigan native meets all the important criteria for an edge rusher, and in this scenario, he teams up again with Jim Harbaugh.
If Mack approaches his 2023 performance and the Lions maintain defensive health, this could be a unit that disrupts offenses.
Campbell stated his desire for the 2025 unit to stay within the same structure as this year’s method, as reported by yahoo.com.
“I desire what I think will be as similar to what we have been as feasible,” he stated. “We won’t compromise our purpose and identity, and … we will remain loyal to our essence.” If you’re a person who feels uneasy about that, then no, I don’t want — this isn’t the position for you. Therefore, I won’t rush. I’m not in a hurry. Regardless of the outcome, my intention is to act in the best interest of our team and (bring someone on board who) can confidently address that room, earn respect, motivate everyone toward a shared goal, and ultimately convey the same message I am sharing.”