The Detroit Lions are continuing their pursuit of roster enhancement, focusing on bolstering their defensive and offensive lines. General Manager Brad Holmes expressed interest in acquiring another veteran, particularly at the offensive guard position. Meanwhile, Coach Dan Campbell confirmed that the team is still exploring options on the defensive front. The current defensive lineup features Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport as starters, with D.J. Reader and Alim McNeill lined up at tackle.

The recent free agency saw the Lions add nose tackle Roy Lopez, but most of the lineup remains unchanged from last year. The Lions need to improve their sack count after tying for 23rd in the league with 37 sacks last season, a glaring statistic as Hutchinson led with just 7.5 sacks despite missing several games. Holmes remains optimistic about the young talent on the team, emphasizing a balance between nurturing their development and seeking veteran talent.

The Detroit Lions are gearing up for a transformative 2025 season with significant potential in their defensive line, spearheaded by Aidan Hutchinson's return from injury and the emergence of Mekhi Wingo. With Hutchinson, a strong candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, expected back and Marcus Davenport healed from his torn triceps, the Lions' pass rush looks promising. Alim McNeill's recovery from a torn ACL and Wingo's potential breakout season add depth to a previously underperforming unit.

Mekhi Wingo, who had limited playtime last season, is poised for a remarkable leap forward. His defensive line coach, Brandon Tucker, has highlighted Wingo's readiness to capitalize on his past flashes of brilliance. With five quarterback pressures on just 95 snaps, Wingo’s explosiveness and quickness suggest he can make a significant impact. As the Lions face competition for snaps within an already strong defensive roster, Wingo’s growth could be a game-changer for Detroit's defensive schemes.

The Detroit Lions have made significant strides in the 2025 NFL free agency period, highlighted by the acquisition of cornerback D.J. Reed on a substantial three-year deal worth $48 million. Joining him are linebacker Derrick Barnes, defensive end Marcus Davenport, and various players across multiple positions, totaling 19 new signings. Meanwhile, the Lions faced some tough losses, including cornerback Carlton Davis III joining the Patriots for $60 million over three years, and releasing defensive end Za'Darius Smith.

General Manager Brad Holmes and Coach Dan Campbell have aggressively targeted both high-profile and depth players to ensure the Lions remain competitive. The strategic focus on bolstering the defense, particularly with Reed and others, showcases a commitment to improving a key area. With the draft approaching, the Lions appear poised to enhance their roster further, aiming to solidify their position in the NFC.

Marcus Davenport has officially returned to the Detroit Lions, re-signing for a one-year contract potentially worth up to $4.75 million. Last season, the EDGE rusher struggled with injuries, appearing in only two games and registering minimal statistics: half a sack and four quarterback hits. This follows a trend for the former first-round pick, who has faced significant injury challenges throughout his career, particularly in the last two seasons. His performance has also dropped, failing to achieve a Pro Football Focus grade above 55.4 in both of the past seasons. The Lions are hopeful that Davenport can regain his form from 2021 and 2022, where he posted much higher pass-rush grades. However, given his recent lack of availability, expectations must be tempered.

The Detroit Lions are looking to enhance their pass rush for the upcoming seasons, especially after Aidan Hutchinson's impressive yet injury-affected year. Hutchinson, who had 7.5 sacks and 45 pressures in just six games, is pivotal to the Lions' defensive success. The team's pass-rushing performance dipped significantly after his injury, and solidifying the EDGE position opposite him is a top priority. Key contenders include Za'Darius Smith and Josh Paschal. Smith, who recorded four sacks in eight games after a mid-season trade, is a potential cost-saving release candidate. Paschal, on the other hand, is entering a critical year of his rookie contract.

The Lions' overall sack numbers fell short, tying for 23rd in the league. The lack of consistent pressure has hampered their defensive capabilities, as evidenced by their struggle against the passing game, where they ranked 31st.