Everyone has been looking forward to this day for months. There has been a steady countdown to the start of NFL free agency since the conclusion of the regular season—and, for certain clubs, the playoffs. The Detroit Lions’ journey to overcome the hump officially starts now.
The Lions made some noteworthy selections in their group of pass rushers prior to the start of free agency. First, Marcus Davenport, a defensive end, was re-signed by Detroit after missing nearly the whole 2024 season due to a torn triceps.
The next crucial action was Za’Darius Smith’s release. The issue remains: Detroit has to keep acquiring depth at this position, even though Davenport’s re-signing made sense and he will join Aidan Hutchinson and the rest of the bunch.
Detroit must adopt the mindset that they can’t have enough skill at some positions, and pass rushers are no different, if they want to be a serious contender for a Super Bowl.
Khalil Mack decided to re-sign with the Chargers on Monday morning as well, and the Lions are unable to trade for Myles Garrett now that that pipe dream is ended. The possibilities are therefore dwindling. However, there is still a well-known figure who hasn’t received much attention in relation to the Lions.
But Green Bay Packers fans have a strong yearning for him.
Josh Sweat can be signed by the Lions, ending the Packers’ original aspirations of free agency at the same time.
Josh Sweat, a pass rusher, is a huge free agent owned by the Philadelphia Eagles, the Super Bowl champions. Great teams will undoubtedly try, but they can’t afford to pay everyone.
Sweat will likely attract a lot of interest from the market, including from the Chicago Bears, another division opponent that was also reported to be making a Mack comeback. Over the last three seasons, the veteran has recorded 25.5 sacks.
It might be game over for the rest of the division if the Lions were able to sign Sweat and couple him with Hutchinson. Together with an upgraded defense, a healthy Hutchinson, Sweat, Davenport, and the rest of the team would make an incredible group of pass rushers.
In addition, it would be too sweet for Detroit to dash the dreams of Packer supporters everywhere who have been hoping for another elite pass rusher.
Is it possible? Yes.
Is it likely? That is up for debate.
Is it going to be epic? Of course.