Lions free agency preview: 10 starting edge rushers Detroit could sign

As the offseason bulldozes forward, the edge rusher position outside of Aidan Hutchinson remains a major focal point for the Detroit Lions. Hutchinson is expected to be at full strength by mandatory minicamp, Josh Paschal enters Year 4 as a reliable edge-setter, and the team faces a decision on Za’Darius Smith’s contract. Beyond that, the only other edge rushers currently on the roster are practice squad members Isaac Ukwu and Nate Lynn. Several players from last year’s front, including Levi Onwuzurike, Derrick Barnes, Marcus Davenport, and Al-Quadin Muhammad, are currently set to hit free agency.

In other words, the Lions have some work to do in free agency.

The players I’m highlighting fit the mold of what the Lions may seek in a base defensive end—many of them capable of kicking inside on passing downs. Given the depth of this free-agent class, I’ll be breaking this series into two parts. Below, I’ll examine the first 10 veteran edge defenders who could be potential targets for the Lions in free agency.

Previous free agency previews:

Lions free agency preview: Edge defenders, part 1

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

Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers, Age 34 (6-foot-3, 269 pounds)

When it comes to Khalil Mack, you have to imagine Brad Holmes feels the same way about him as Tim Robinson does about Dan Flashes: “That’s my exact style.”

Mack will still take the lunch money from offensive tackles and tight ends in the run game and remains a crafty, overpowering pass rusher. His forceful burst and pass rush plan remain ageless. Described by Chargers coaches as “the Alpha,” he’s not only a dominant force on the field but also a respected leader and a relentless worker in the weight room.

Despite his age, the future Hall of Famer has been remarkably durable, missing just one game in three seasons with the Chargers (and only 13 games in his entire career). He played a slightly reduced role in 2024—dropping from 54.5 snaps per game in 2022-23 to 40.8 last season—to stay fresh. Even with the lighter workload, Mack remains one of the NFL’s most productive edge rushers, tying for eighth in combined sacks over the past two seasons (23.0), including a career-high 17.0 in 2023. He’s proven to be the most dependable of the Bolts edge rushers.

DeMarcus Lawrence, Dallas Cowboys, Age 33 (6-foot-3, 265 pounds)

Like Mack, Lawrence is a battle-tested veteran entering free agency ahead of his 12th season. However, unlike Mack, he’s coming off a down year after a Lisfranc injury in Week 4 ended his 2024 campaign. Before the injury, he had already notched three sacks, making him an intriguing buy-low candidate.

“Tank” has been a Cowboys team captain since 2019 and was the team’s 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, making him a natural fit in the Lions locker room. His punishing style of play has cemented him in franchise history, ranking second all-time in both quarterback hits (126) and tackles for loss (97), trailing only DeMarcus Ware. The versatile defensive lineman’s prowess on stunts and his lethal signature cross-chop move would make him a valuable addition to the Lions’ front.

Calais Campbell, Miami Dolphins, Age 39 (6-foot-8, 307 pounds)

Campbell continues to pulverize father time, entering his 18th NFL season while missing just 15 career games. The veteran lineman remains a model of consistency, having now recorded 14 consecutive seasons with at least 10 quarterback hits, 25 quarterback pressures, and a PFF defensive grade of 70.0 or higher. Despite his longevity, one milestone still eludes him—a Super Bowl championship.

The 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year would be an ideal fit in both the Lions locker room and the Detroit community. A respected leader, Campbell was named a captain upon arriving in Miami and previously held the role in Baltimore (2020-22), Jacksonville (2017-19), and Arizona (2014-16)—marking a full decade of NFL captaincy.

One of the most versatile and physically imposing defensive linemen of his era, Campbell has lined up everywhere from 0-technique to 9-technique. The Lions could maximize his massive frame, tentacle arms, and high-effort playstyle, whether it’s collapsing the pocket with his bull rush or using his powerful club-swim and club-rip moves to bust past blockers.

Dayo Odeyingbo, Indianapolis Colts, Age 25 (6-foot-6, 286 pounds)

Odeyingbo was one of my favorite edge rushers in the 2021 NFL Draft and remains one of the highest-upside options among young free-agent pass rushers—if the price is right. Despite tearing his Achilles while preparing for the draft, the Colts still selected him in the second round, recognizing his rare blend of size, high-motor, and unrefined power. His massive 86 3/8” wingspan (98th percentile) only adds to his imposing marble slab presence.

After breaking out in 2023 with a career-high 8.0 sacks as a rotational player, Odeyingbo transitioned into a full-time starting role in 2024, logging 746 snaps (including 63 on the interior) and registering 42 total quarterback pressures (42nd among edge rushers). Over the last two seasons, he has amassed 34 quarterback hits (34th in the NFL), and in 2023, Trench Warfare’s Brandon Thorn gave him the sixth-highest sack score among all interior pass rushers (8.50). He uses his length and physical hands well and his disruptive ability at the point of attack would make him a compelling fit opposite Aidan Hutchinson.

Chase Young, New Orleans Saints, Age 26 (6-foot-5, 264 pounds)

Please, hold the tomatoes, Pride of Detroit readers. Was that a full-blown tomato can? I get it—just mentioning his name probably burns visions of his “hustle” play on Jahmyr Gibbs’ NFC Championship Game touchdown further into your retinas.

After bouncing between two teams in 2023, Young landed in New Orleans in 2024. Though he didn’t start a game, he played in all 17 contests, racking up 66 quarterback pressures (ninth in the NFL) and 21 quarterback hits (16th). While the raw numbers impress, his success largely stems from his bull rush and athleticism rather than a refined pass-rush plan. His run defense has also taken a significant step back. Young isn’t an ideal fit for the Lions outside of his prototypical size, but perhaps Kacy Rodgers could get something to click.

Charles Omenihu, Kansas City Chiefs, Age 28 (6-foot-5, 280 pounds)

Omenihu is another towering edge rusher with 36-inch arms and inside-outside versatility, making him a close stylistic comparison to Calais Campbell. He was a disruptive force with the 49ers in 2022, serving as the Robin to Nick Bosa’s Batman, and ranked 21st among all edge rushers with a career-high 54 total quarterback pressures (per PFF). However, over the past two seasons with the Chiefs, he has appeared in just 17 regular-season games due to suspension and injury, and his impact was less pronounced while playing alongside Chris Jones.

He fits the Lions’ preference for powerful, physical edge rushers and could thrive in Detroit during his age-28 season, especially when utilizing his signature double-swipe move, which remains the most move in his toolbox.

Matthew Judon, Atlanta Falcons, Age 33 (6-foot-3, 275 pounds)

Judon is another veteran free agent edge defender known for his stout run defense. The West Bloomfield native was off to a strong start in 2023, recording four sacks in four games before a biceps tear ended his season. His first year with the Falcons was underwhelming, but outside of his injury-shortened 2023 campaign, he has been remarkably durable, missing only two games since his rookie season.

Off the field, Judon’s leadership and character stand out—he grew up in a family of 10 and was the Patriots’ 2021 Media Good Guy award winner. On the field, while a reduced snap count could help maximize his impact at this stage in his career, he remains one of the league’s best at executing stunts and continues to find an edge with his play strength.

Chauncey Golston, Dallas Cowboys, Age 27 (6-foot-5, 268 pounds)

A Detroit native, Golston was selected in the 2021 draft just 12 picks after Alim McNeill and boasts an impressive 84 3/8-inch wingspan. He stepped into a starting edge role opposite Micah Parsons following DeMarcus Lawrence’s injury and delivered career highs in snaps played (790), sacks (5.5), and quarterback hits (8).

While Golston offers versatility, his biggest strength lies in kicking inside, where he generates pressure with quickness and refined hand usage. However, his deficiencies in run defense could be a sticking point for the Lions as they assess personnel fits.

Pat Jones II, Minnesota Vikings, Age 26 (6-foot-4, 264 pounds)

Stop me if this sounds familiar—Jones II shares plenty of similarities with Chauncey Golston. A former 2021 third-round pick, he posted a career-high 7.0 sacks in his fourth season, excels more as a pass rusher than a run defender, and sees snaps on the interior in passing situations. However, outside of a standout Week 11 performance against the Titans, Jones failed to register a sack or quarterback hit over the final 10 games of the season.

His 1.58-second 10-yard split highlights his ability to win with first-step quickness, making him an intriguing rotational option. Like Golston, he’d fit best as a third defensive end off the bench, though a team in free agency could view him as a potential starter.

Joseph Ossai, Cincinnati Bengals, Age 25 (6-foot-4, 263 pounds)

Ossai entered the league as a high-upside athlete, boasting a 98th percentile vertical jump (41 1/2”, a 10’11” broad jump (also 98th percentile), and a blazing 2.56-second 20-yard split (97th percentile). However, his development was derailed early when he suffered a season-ending knee injury in his first preseason as a rookie.

Set to turn 25 in April, Ossai posted career highs in 2024 with 573 snaps, five sacks, and 15 quarterback hits, including earning his first career starts in Weeks 16-18. While his athletic traits remain intriguing, his run defense still needs refinement, making him a better fit as a rotational pass rusher for the Lions rather than an every-down player.