The Detroit Lions must upgrade their pass rush before the 2025 season kicks off. Outside of Aidan Hutchinson, the team lacks experienced and productive players in the edge rusher room and has yet to find a replacement for Za’Darius Smith, who they decided to release back in March.
Detroit did use a Day 3 pick in the draft on Ahmed Hassanein, and he could develop into a difference-maker. However, the Boise State product can’t be relied upon as the other starting edge rusher opposite Hutchinson.
General manager Brad Holmes may search the free agency market to solve the need, but Last Word on Sports’ Anthony Palacios believes the Lions could also pull off a blockbuster trade for Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack.
“It’s easy to see why Mack would be open to joining a new roster as he’s entering the twilight of his career after having an illustrious tenure across several teams as a reliable defensive pass rusher,” Palacios wrote.
Mack is still a productive player despite being well into his 30s. The veteran posted six sacks and 49 quarterback pressures last year and was selected to his ninth Pro Bowl. Two years ago in 2023, Mack tallied a career-high 17 sacks and 88 quarterback pressures.
Trading for Mack would be a savvy move by Detroit. The 34-year-old would immediately step in as a starter on the defense and provide fantastic play as the No.2 pass rusher on the defensive line. Additionally, the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year is on an affordable contract, and the Lions have the draft capital to facilitate a trade with the Chargers.
Though Mack would be an exhilarating addition to Detroit’s pass rush and give Hutchinson a dynamic running mate, it’s unlikely that a playoff contender like Los Angeles will trade their top pass rusher before the season. However, if the Chargers are sellers at the trade deadline, then Mack could become an option for the Lions.
