The Detroit Lions could greatly benefit from bolstering their edge rusher position in the upcoming offseason. One intriguing suggestion comes from CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin, who proposed the idea of acquiring Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter, which would not only strengthen the Lions but also weaken a division rival. In Benjamin’s NFL free agency mock draft on February 23, he linked Hunter to the Lions, emphasizing their need for additional edge presence despite having Aidan Hutchinson leading their front four. Benjamin highlighted the potential impact of Hunter, describing him as one of the most physically dominant pass rushers in the league.
Hunter’s addition would significantly enhance the Lions’ pass rush capabilities. Although his last All-Pro recognition was in 2018, Hunter showcased his prowess by achieving a career-high 16.5 sacks and leading the NFL with 23 tackles for loss in the 2023 season. Furthermore, Hunter has consistently achieved double-digit sacks in five of the last seven seasons.
According to Spotrac, Hunter has accumulated $94.8 million in earnings over his nine-year NFL career.
Why the Lions Should Target DE Danielle Hunter
In the 2023 season, the Detroit Lions struggled defensively, ranking among the bottom six teams in passing yards allowed, passing touchdowns yielded, and net yards allowed per pass attempt. Additionally, with cornerbacks Kindle Vildor, Jerry Jacobs, and Emmanuel Moseley set to become unrestricted free agents, the Lions face the challenge of upgrading and adding depth to their cornerback position to enhance their competitiveness for the Super Bowl. However, improving the pass rush would also alleviate pressure on Detroit’s secondary.
Despite the Lions ranking first or second in pressure rate, hurry percentage, and quarterback knockdown rate in 2023, their total sack count of 41 was only 23rd in the league. While defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and defensive tackle Alim McNeill are emerging talents, with Hutchinson leading the Lions with 11.5 sacks in 2023, there remains a need for a complementary edge rusher opposite Hutchinson.
Danielle Hunter fits this requirement well. He boasts four Pro Bowl selections in the past six years and has been recognized for his standout performances, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2018 and finishing fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2019, recording 14.5 sacks in each of those seasons. Hunter’s addition would provide the Lions with a formidable edge presence to bolster their pass rush and support their defensive efforts.
Despite facing setbacks due to injuries, including a pectoral muscle injury that limited him to seven games in 2021 and a missed 2020 season due to a neck injury, Danielle Hunter has demonstrated remarkable resilience and productivity. In his abbreviated 2021 season, he still managed to accumulate 6 sacks, followed by double-digit sack performances in both 2022 and 2023.
When healthy, Hunter has maintained an impressive pace in generating sacks. Over his last 73 games, he has amassed 62 sacks along with 77 tackles for loss and 95 quarterback hits, showcasing his impact on opposing offenses.
The addition of Hunter to the Lions’ roster has the potential to elevate their defensive line to one of the top units in the league. His proven ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks could significantly enhance Detroit’s pass rush and overall defensive effectiveness.
Other Edge Rushers Lions Could Sign in NFL Free Agency
The Lions were previously linked to Hunter. On February 10, David Kenyon of Bleacher Report predicted that the Lions would secure Hunter with a 3-year, $67 million contract.
According to Pro Football Focus, which ranked him as the 12th best available free agent this offseason, Hunter’s projected value on his next contract is similar. However, the Lions might have other options at edge rusher.
Brad Berreman of Fansided suggested that the Lions target Brian Burns from the Carolina Panthers as a potential “tag-to-trade candidate.”
Dallas Robinson of Pro Football Network argued that the Lions should consider signing defensive end Bryce Huff.
Jared Ramsey of the Detroit Free Press proposed Leonard Floyd as a free agent target for the Lions.
While Burns would be a major signing, Pro Football Focus considers all three players to be among the top 50 free agents this offseason.
Additionally, the Lions could utilize their No. 29 overall selection in the first round to bolster their edge rusher position.
