The Detroit Lions could sorely need an edge rusher this offseason. What better approach to accomplish this than to turn that addition into a subtraction for a division opponent. Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports offered the possibility to Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter.
Benjamin pegged Hunter to the Lions in his NFL free agency mock draft on February 23.
“Aidan Hutchinson headlines Detroit’s front four, but the Lions need more off the edge coming off their playoff run,” Benjamin said in a blog post. “So they rob their division-rival Vikings for Hunter, one of the most physically imposing pass rushers in the game.”
Hunter would significantly improve the Lions’ pass rush. Hunter last made the All-Pro team in 2018, but he had a career-high 16.5 sacks and led the NFL with 23 tackles for loss in 2023.
He has recorded double-digit sacks in five of the last seven seasons.
Hunter’s nine-year NFL career earned him $94.8 million, according to Spotrac.
Why Should the Lions Target DE? Danielle Hunter
The Lions concluded the 2023 season rated in the worst six teams in terms of passing yards allowed, passing touchdowns scored, and net yards allowed per pass attempt. Additionally, cornerbacks Kindle Vildor, Jerry Jacobs, and Emmanuel Moseley will become unrestricted free agents.
To be in a better position to contend in the Super Bowl, the Lions must enhance and add depth at cornerback. However, an improved pass rush would also benefit Detroit’s secondary.
While the Lions ranked first or second in pressure rate, hurry percentage, and quarterback knockdown rate in 2023, they only produced 41 sacks. That ranked 23rd in the league.
Defensive ends Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill are rising stars. Hutchinson led the Lions with 11.5 sacks in 2023. However, the Lions could benefit from having a complementary edge rusher opposite Hutchinson.
Hunter fits the bill. He’s been to the Pro Bowl four times in the last six years.
In 2018, he earned second-team All-Pro honours. In 2019, he placed fifth in the Defensive Player of the Year vote. Hunter totaled 14.5 sacks in both years.
He played only seven games in 2021 due to a pectoral muscle ailment. Hunter also missed the whole 2020 campaign due to a neck issue.
However, Hunter recorded six sacks in those seven games in 2021. Then, he rebounded with double-digit sack seasons in 2022 and 2023.
When healthy, Hunter has been racking up sacks at an incredible rate. In his last 73 games, he’s had 62 sacks, 77 tackles for loss, and 95 quarterback hits.
The addition of Hunter to the Lions’ defensive line has the potential to make it one of the finest in the league.
Other Edge Rushers Lions May Sign in NFL Free Agency
The Lions have previously been linked to Hunter. On February 10, David Kenyon of Bleacher Report anticipated that the Lions would sign Hunter to a three-year, $67 million contract.
Hunter’s next contract is expected to be similar in value, according to Pro Football Focus, which ranked him as the No. 12-best available free agent this offseason.
However, the Lions may have possibilities at edge rusher.
Fansided’s Brad Berreman suggested that Detroit seek Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns as a “tag-to-trade candidate.”
Dallas Robinson of Pro Football Network advocated that the Lions should sign defensive end Bryce Huff.
Jared Ramsey of the Detroit Free Press mentioned edge rusher Leonard Floyd as a free agent target.
Burns would undoubtedly be the biggest splashy signing. However, PFF ranks all three players as top 50 free agents this offseason.
The Lions could also utilize the 29th overall pick in the first round to get an edge rusher.
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