The Detroit Lions’ defensive line will be better in 2025 with great pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson back in the lineup, but there are still questions about whether they did enough this offseason to improve on the defensive end.
If the questions persist, might they sign a former Chicago Bears starter?
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report recently proposed one last free-agent move that every NFL team should make before the start of the 2025 season, linking the Lions to veteran defensive end DeMarcus Walker, who started the previous two seasons in Chicago.
The Lions have a link to Walker because they hosted him for a free-agent visit before the 2025 NFL draft in early April. Moton is now pressing them to sign him and allay fears about who will play opposite Hutchinson.
“The Lions cut Za’Darius Smith,” Moton wrote on May 24. “Marcus Davenport has missed 28 games in the previous two terms. Walker would be a more consistent starter and rotational pass-rusher than Aidan Hutchinson, who is recovering from a fractured tibia and fibula.
URGENT! CONFIRMATION OF BIG UPDATE FROM DEMARCUS WALKER IN THE NFL! DETROIT LIONS NEWS TODAY
DeMarcus Walker Provides Inside-Out Versatility for DL.
Walker is an intriguing addition to the Lions’ roster, and not just because he is an experienced edge rusher.
In eight NFL seasons, Walker has played in 100 games, having his longest stint as a starter over the past two seasons with the Bears. He signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Bears in 2023 free agency and went on to start 29 games for them at defensive end, amassing 77 tackles, seven sacks, 16 tackles for loss and 32 QB hits.
During his career in Chicago, the Bears experimented with Walker’s alignment. They generally used him as a defensive end, although he was occasionally moved inside to play one of the tackle positions, most notably as their three-technique tackle – a position that the Bears struggled to fill regularly under former head coach Matt Eberflus.
Fortunately, as the Lions consider defensive personnel alternatives, they can be confident that their best player, Hutchinson, will be ready to play in 2025.
BREAKING NEWS: The Detroit Lions SIGN DE DeMarcus Walker For 2 Year! Brad Holmes Insane Predcition
On Thursday, Hutchinson stated that physicians have “fully cleared” him to resume football workouts with the Lions and that he has no limitations going ahead. While the Lions expected him to return to full strength in 2025, having him back in time for the most intensive part of their offseason training is fantastic.
The Lions will now benefit from Hutchinson’s participation in spring practices to help them determine whether they have the ideal individuals opposite him.
Davenport is now his most likely pass-rushing partner off the edge, but Josh Paschal and sixth-round rookie Ahmed Hassanein are also competing for slots in the rotation.
While the Lions may realize that they still require further reinforcements, Hutchinson’s clean bill of health will help them better comprehend their unit’s current capabilities.
