Lions free agency preview: 11 rotational edge rushers Detroit could sign

Looking at free agent options for one of the Detroit Lions’ most pressing offseason needs.

While the Detroit Lions will likely target defensive line talent in the draft, this year’s free-agent edge class offers plenty of intriguing options. In Part 1, I highlighted 10 potential signings who could take on significant roles in Detroit’s defensive end rotation. In Part 2, I’ll shift the focus to players better suited for rotational roles—veterans and ascending talents who can provide reliable snaps, bolster the pass rush, and keep the front fresh over the course of a long season.

Previous free agency previews:

• Quarterbacks
• Wide receivers
• Edge defenders (starters)

Lions free agency preview: Edge defenders, part 2

Under contract: Aidan Hutchinson, Josh Paschal, Za’Darius Smith, Isaac Ukwu (futures), Nate Lynn

Free agents: Marcus Davenport (profile), John Cominsky, Al-Quadin Muhammad (profile), Mitchel Agude (ERFA), Jonah Williams

Michael Hoecht, Los Angeles Rams, Age 27 (6-foot-4, 267 pounds)

Lions fans likely remember Hoecht for his struggles in the 2023 Wild Card game, where he found himself in nightmare matchups against Sam LaPorta and Jahmyr Gibbs. Targeted six times, he allowed six receptions for 64 yards (43 after the catch) and a touchdown, exposing his limitations in coverage.

Originally a 310-pound defensive tackle at Brown University, Hoecht improbably transitioned to outside linebacker for the Rams. While he has logged 412 coverage snaps over the past two seasons, it remains his biggest weakness. A shift to defensive end, where he can focus on attacking offensive tackles rather than dropping in space, could be the best path forward for his career—making him a more natural fit as a Lions’ defensive end rather than their SAM linebacker role.

Derek Barnett, Houston Texans, Age 29, (6-foot-3, 259 pounds)

The former first-round pick suffered a torn ACL in September 2022, which hampered his effectiveness early in 2023 and ultimately led to his midseason release. However, after being claimed by the Texans, Barnett bounced back to form, recording 2.5 sacks, 11 quarterback hits, and eight tackles for loss in just six games. He re-signed with Houston in 2024 and played a rotational role (421 snaps), finishing the season strong—his 81.2 PFF defensive grade from Weeks 11-18 ranked ninth among all edge defenders.

One of Barnett’s most underrated traits is his ability to blow up pull blockers, making him a tough player to trap—a quality the Lions would undoubtedly value. He still has plenty left in the tank and would be a valuable addition to Detroit’s defensive end rotation at an affordable price. After all, you can never have too many pass rushers.

Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Age 26 (6-foot-5, 259 pounds)

A former first-round pick and college teammate of Levi Onwuzurike, Tryon-Shoyinka is the first of three free agent former Buccaneers with ties to new Lions defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers. Like Michael Hoecht, he has primarily played as a stand-up outside linebacker, but the Lions could utilize him more as a traditional defensive end. Durable throughout his career, Tryon-Shoyinka has missed just two games and had his best season in 2022, recording 40 tackles, 4.0 sacks, six tackles for loss, and a career-high 14 quarterback hits.

The three-year starter has an appealing frame, uses his 34-inch arms effectively in both run defense and pass rush, and is quick off the snap with a well-executed slap-swipe move. He could improve his leverage and physicality—something that might come naturally if he’s able to focus on a more defined role rather than juggling hybrid responsibilities. Notably, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler compared him to Marcus Davenport coming out of college.

William Gholston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Age 34 (6-foot-6, 281 pounds)

Another versatile skyscraper, Gholston has spent all 12 seasons of his career with the Buccaneers, missing only six games since his rookie year and ranking fifth in franchise history with 186 games played.

At this stage of his career, Gholston is primarily a rotational depth piece, but he remains a reliable run defender and can still flash as an interior penetrator. His experience and versatility could make him a valuable piece to the Lions’ defensive line equation.

Anthony Nelson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Age 28 (6-foot-7, 271 pounds)

Among the Buccaneers’ defensive line free-agent options, Nelson offers a blend of Gholston’s towering height and length (34 7/8-inch arms) and Tryon-Shoyinka’s athleticism. He also brings experience as an outside linebacker, even logging 91 coverage snaps last season. He was the most productive of the group in 2024, recording 40 tackles, six tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, and career highs in both quarterback hits (13) and pressures (32), per PFF.

Nelson boasts outstanding athletic traits, testing above the 90th percentile in the three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle while also surpassing the 80th percentile in both the vertical and broad jumps. Nelson will knock the snot out of a tight end and has a knack for converting speed to power in his pass rush effectively.

Da’Shawn Hand, Miami Dolphins, Age 29 (6-fot-3, 302 pounds)

Hand was a rare bright spot as a rookie in the Matt Patricia era, but injuries derailed his tenure in Detroit. After bouncing around, he found stability in Miami, playing a career-high 564 snaps in 2024—his most since his rookie year. In 2023, his 85.0 PFF defensive grade ranked eighth among all edge defenders, just behind Alim McNeill.

Primarily a defensive tackle for the Dolphins, Hand still flexed outside on 15% of his snaps and could shift into a five-technique role in Detroit. His explosive upper-body strength makes him a natural pocket-collapser, fitting the Lions’ defensive front well.

Deatrich Wise, New England Patriots, Age 31 (6-foot-5, 280 pounds)

Not to send Lions fans into a cold sweat, but Wise bears some resemblance to his former Arkansas and Patriots teammate, Trey Flowers—the very player he succeeded in New England after Flowers departed for Detroit in free agency.

Early in his career, Wise was a steady pass-rushing presence, tallying 35 quarterback hits in his first two seasons (2017-18). While he hasn’t matched that production in the last four years (34 total), he remains a reliable contributor. With his gargantuan 35 5/8-inch arms, Wise excels at stacking blockers in the run game and using his powerful bull rush to suffocate space for the quarterback.

Solomon Thomas, New York Jets, Age 29 (6-foot-3, 295 pounds)

Though Thomas never lived up to his third overall pick status, he has carved out a valuable role on multiple top-tier defenses and could do the same for Detroit. He has spent seven of his eight NFL seasons under Robert Saleh but played his college career—and was a team captain—under Lions passing game coordinator David Shaw.

Thomas possesses many of the same traits as Josh Paschal—compact frame, upper-body power, and a stout lower half that generates force. Both players win with brute strength, setting the edge on early downs while kicking inside to collapse the pocket on passing downs.

Clelin Ferrell, Washington Commanders, Age 28 (6-foot-4, 265 pounds)

A former top-five pick, Ferrell peaked in his second season with the Raiders, recording 10 quarterback hits, but found new life with the 49ers in 2023, setting career-highs in games played (17) and quarterback hits (13).

Ferrell is a broad-shouldered power rusher who deploys his massive 10 1/2-inch mitts with force to jolt and control blockers. His leggy frame allows him to slip past and cut off angles effectively. A permanent team captain at Clemson and a product of a military family, Ferrell possesses the leadership and toughness that align with the Lions’ culture.

Payton Turner, New Orleans Saints, Age 26 (6-foot-6, 2770 pounds)

A former first-round pick, Turner still possesses the physical traits the Lions covet in their defensive ends—his 35 3/8-inch arms alone will check a major box. However, injuries have derailed his career, as he missed more games (36) than he played (15) over his first three seasons.

While Turner finally suited up for 16 games in 2024, his production remained underwhelming. Still, he flashed at times with two sacks, four pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. Any team taking a flier on him in free agency will be banking on their defensive line coach unlocking his untapped potential.

Carl Lawson, Dallas Cowboys, Age 30 (6-foot-2, 260 pounds)

The last free-agent edge rusher I’ll highlight doesn’t perfectly fit the Lions’ typical edge rusher mold but brings several intriguing qualities. Lawson is a compact, rocked-up ball of energy off the edge. He was on track for a breakout season in 2020, finishing second only to T.J. Watt with 32 quarterback hits, before an Achilles tendon rupture in a joint practice derailed that progress.

Lawson has reinvented himself as a veteran rotational power rusher over the last few seasons. He uses his leverage effectively, deploying a variety of long-arm and stab-chop-rip moves to blow through offensive tackles. Lawson could be a valuable passing-down option for the Lions, providing splash plays while other edge rushers shift inside, helping to complement Hutchinson.