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📰 JUST IN: Analysts Urge Lions to Sign Former $380 Million Defender Amid Defensive Questions
Detroit, July 2025 — Concerns about a lack of depth opposite star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson have prompted a new wave of speculation: should the Detroit Lions sign a veteran edge rusher once under a massive $380 million contract?
Although the specific “$380 million castoff” label is slightly exaggerated, analysts have indeed flagged several high-profile edge defenders as potential fits for Detroit—some of whom earned career deals in that ballpark.
🔍 Why the Lions Need Help at EDGE
- After Hutchinson’s season-ending leg injury in 2024, Detroit’s defensive line suddenly lacked a reliable counterpart. No other Lion tallied more than 4 sacks in his absence.
- Despite drafting and adding mid-tier veterans, the team has yet to truly address that pass‑rush hole heading into the 2025 season.
📋 Veteran Options Under Consideration
Matthew Judon ($54.5M deal value)
- Former Patriots and Falcons linebacker.
- Earned a $54.5 million contract in New England.
- Still posted 5.5 sacks and returned an interception for a touchdown in 2024.
- Being touted as a strategic veteran presence with playoff experience and fit for the Lions’ front seven.
Von Miller (former $120M contract)
- Highly decorated edge rusher whose most recent deal in Buffalo totaled about $120 million.
- Despite a torn ACL in 2022 and inconsistent recent production, still registered six sacks in under 300 snaps in 2024.
- Analysts suggest he could fill a Leverage role alongside Hutchinson if health allows.
Dennis Gardeck (cost-efficient veteran)
- Former Arizona Cardinal with experience in sub-packages and on special teams.
- Coming off a torn ACL but shown capacity for quarterback pressure and rotational depth.
- A potential budget-friendly boost to the edge rotation.
Other veterans (e.g. Dante Fowler Jr.)
- Viewed as overlooked yet capable contributors who could add value without commanding hefty contracts.
- Particularly attractive given the Lions’ projected cap space and need for rotational depth.
💬 Fan Sentiment: Depth Above All
- Lions fans on Reddit overwhelmingly support adding more edge defenders. Echoing front-office strategy, many expect Detroit to sign multiple EDGE players in free agency or the draft to build depth behind Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport.
- Some fans call for a mix of rotation pieces and potential starters, voicing skepticism that existing depth alone can carry the team through key stretches without reinforcements.
🧾 Summary Table
| Player | Contract Value | Upside for Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew Judon | ~$54.5 million | Pro Bowl pedigree, versatile veteran |
| Von Miller | ~$120 million (former) | Game-changing pass rush threat, veteran |
| Dennis Gardeck | Modest vet contract | Affordable rotational/special-teams help |
| Other veterans | Lower-cost options | Depth-addition without large cap hits |
🏈 Bottom Line
While the “$380 million castoff” headline may be hyperbole, the sentiment is clear: analysts believe Detroit should strongly consider signing a veteran edge rusher who once earned a massive contract. Names like Matthew Judon and Von Miller represent high-ceiling options with experience and proven impact.
Given the Lions’ relatively low current investment in EDGE (25th in the NFL by cap dollars), adding a veteran presence could be the strategic boost they need to complement Aidan Hutchinson and elevate their pass rush to playoff-ready levels.
Detroit’s next move could define their defensive identity for 2025. Whether they bet on veteran flash or youthful upside, the EDGE position is now firmly in the spotlight.
