The Detroit Lions have taken a cautious approach in the early stages of the 2026 free agency. Currently, they have four edge rushers on the roster, including Tyler Lacy, but Aidan Hutchinson remains the only proven talent among them.
Their recent addition of DJ Wonnum on a one-year contract seems more like a move to bolster depth rather than a long-term solution to partner with Hutchinson. This signing might not excite the fan base, and it’s likely that GM Brad Holmes will need to address concerns about the lack of aggressive moves to secure a solid edge rusher opposite Hutchinson.
This isn’t a new issue for the Lions, and fans are growing weary of the recurring excuses.
Enter Jadeveon Clowney, a seasoned veteran who could be the answer to the Lions’ defensive line needs. Clowney, despite not having the career many envisioned when he was the first overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, has consistently shown his prowess. Over the last three seasons, he’s maintained a top-20 pass rush win rate, with a career-high grade last year with the Dallas Cowboys.
Clowney’s ability to defend the run is equally impressive, boasting a top-16 grade among edge defenders last season. His knack for making plays in the backfield is evident with at least nine tackles for loss in four of the last five seasons.
Despite being released by the Carolina Panthers in May 2025, which delayed his signing with the Cowboys until after Week 1, Clowney has a history of signing late in the offseason. His patience might be strategic, waiting for the right fit or market conditions.
Financially, Clowney isn’t just chasing dollars, having earned over $100 million in his career. Still, he should command more than the $3.45 million he earned last season, and the Lions should consider offering him a deal around his projected market value of $5.7 million.
Securing a veteran like Clowney after the initial free agency rush doesn’t have to be complicated. He’s likely waiting for an enticing offer from a contending team. If the Lions miss this opportunity, they’ll have little justification for not strengthening their defense.