The Detroit Lions still have a pressing need to fill at edge rusher. Though the team is getting Pro Bowler Aidan Hutchinson back on the defensive line, Detroit doesn’t have another starting-caliber pass rusher opposite the former No.2 overall pick.
A reunion with Za’Darius Smith, who was released by the Lions earlier in the offseason, is a possible avenue for general manager Brad Holmes to bolster the pass rush. However, Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton predicts Detroit will sign former Chicago Bears edge rusher Demarcus Walker to pair with Hutchinson.
“The Lions cut Za’Darius Smith. Marcus Davenport has missed 28 games over the previous two terms. Walker would be a more reliable starter and rotational pass-rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson, who’s working his way back from a fractured tibia and fibula,” Moton wrote.
Walker started all 17 games for the Bears in 2024, tallying 3.5 sacks and 39 quarterback pressures with 25 defensive stops. His most productive campaign in the NFL came in 2022, where he posted seven sacks and 32 quarterback pressures with the Tennessee Titans. Walker showed that year that he does have potential as a pass rusher.
The veteran spent two years in Chicago before being released by the team in February.
Though Walker doesn’t post elite sack production, the 30-year-old is a solid run defender who is incredibly durable and reliable. He hasn’t missed a game since 2021
Signing Walker wouldn’t fix all of the Lions’ issues at edge rusher, but the Florida State product would be a nice rotational piece in Kelvin Sheppard’s defense and take some pressure off Hutchinson. Additionally, Walker shouldn’t cost too much to sign in free agency, and his toughness would fit Dan Campbell’s culture.
Walker isn’t the electric pass rusher the Lions are looking for, but the former second-round pick would be a savvy post-draft signing by Holmes and would be an impactful player on the defense.
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