DEAL COMPLETED: Veteran Free-Agent Pass Rusher Has Agreed a Massive Contract and Has Officailly Signed A 2- Years Contract With The Lions

ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions are teased by practically everyone, far and wide, for an edge rusher in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft.

While that may be true, the Lions are currently scouting several free-agent options. According to ESPN, the Lions talked with veteran pass rusher DeMarcus Walker last week.

Walker, 30, started all 17 of the Chicago Bears’ games last season. The 2017 second-round pick from Florida State made sporadic starts throughout the first six years of his career, then saw 29 starts over his two seasons in Chicago.

He had 3.5 sacks in each of the previous two seasons, as well as 16 tackles for loss and 32 quarterback hits while with the Bears.

Walker’s greatest season was in 2022 with the Tennessee Titans, when he recorded a career-high seven sacks. However, he’s been a steady pressure provider from a rotation, notching 48 QB hits throughout the last three seasons and at least 30 pressures in four consecutive seasons.

Detroit’s pass rush struggled down the stretch last season. They were missing Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Marcus Davenport, and Mekhi Wingo from the defensive line, and it showed. Hutchinson is expected back, and the Lions have re-signed the frequently injured Davenport.

McNeill and Wingo, who play on the inside, are recovering from ACL injuries sustained during the second half of last season. The Lions signed Roy Lopez in free agency to eat interior reps alongside DJ Reader. However, adding depth to the edges through free agency or the draft would allow players like Josh Paschal and Levi Onwuzurike to play more inside.

Brad Holmes told local reporters at the NFL owners’ meetings that Onwuzurike’s return, combined with better injury luck for Davenport, might allow Paschal to rush the quarterback inside more. Because of the injuries, the Lions’ general manager stated that Paschal was forced to play exclusively as an edge rusher last season.

“So, we feel pretty good,” Holmes remarked last week. “Actually, we are getting a little heavy on the defensive line. I’m not claiming that any position will be ignored.

“But so far I feel like we’ve had success, and we’re going to continue to fill depth, as I think you saw last year how important that part is.”