The rallying cry is growing louder in Detroit: Aidan Hutchinson’s missing piece on the edge is a grizzled veteran, a wily old pro who has seen it all and still has gas in the tank. It’s time for the Lions to make that call.
Aidan Hutchinson has quickly established himself as the undisputed cornerstone of the Detroit Lions’ pass rush. His relentless motor, high football IQ, and ever-improving technique have made him a Pro Bowl-caliber player in just his second NFL season (2023), where he tallied 11.5 sacks.1 Even with a leg injury that cut short his 2024 season after five games (where he still managed an impressive 7.5 sacks), his trajectory is clearly skyward. He’s a genuine franchise player, the kind of foundational piece every defense craves.
However, even the brightest stars need a strong supporting cast. While the Lions have invested in the defensive line through the draft and free agency, the consistent, veteran presence opposite or alongside Hutchinson has been inconsistent. Marcus Davenport, signed in free agency in 2024, has battled injuries and inconsistency throughout his career, including his recent stint with the Lions.2 Josh Paschal, a second-round pick in 2022, has shown flashes but hasn’t yet developed into a consistent high-level pass rusher.3 Al-Quadin Muhammad, also an edge rusher, is 30 years old and provides a veteran presence, but his peak production is likely behind him. Mitchell Agude and Nate Lynn are younger, developing players.
The Lions’ defense, despite improvements in 2023 and early 2024, still lacked the consistent, game-changing pass rush that separates good defenses from elite ones, especially when Hutchinson was sidelined. While their overall team record improved significantly, a deeper dive into their defensive metrics reveals room for growth in pressuring the quarterback from multiple angles. This is where the idea of an “old edge rusher” comes into play.
What kind of impact would such a player have?
1. Taking Pressure Off Hutchinson: Even Aidan Hutchinson, as dominant as he is, benefits from having another legitimate threat on the field. When he’s the sole consistent pass-rushing menace, offensive lines can dedicate more resources to stopping him – double teams, chip blocks from tight ends and running backs, and sliding protection his way. An elite, or even very good, veteran edge rusher opposite him would force offenses to account for two threats, leading to more one-on-one matchups for both players. This dynamic creates chaos and makes it significantly harder for quarterbacks to get comfortable in the pocket.
2. Mentorship and Leadership: An “old edge rusher” isn’t just about their current sack production; it’s about the wealth of knowledge and experience they bring. A seasoned veteran has seen every blocking scheme, every offensive tendency, and has developed a repertoire of pass-rush moves over years in the league. They can serve as an invaluable mentor to Hutchinson, Paschal, and the younger edge rushers, teaching them the nuances of the game, how to study film, and how to stay healthy through a long season. Their presence in the locker room brings a calm, professional demeanor and a championship pedigree that can elevate the entire defensive unit.
3. Situational Awareness and Clutch Plays: Veteran pass rushers often have an uncanny ability to make crucial plays in critical moments. They understand down and distance, game situations, and how to apply pressure when it matters most. Whether it’s a strip-sack on a crucial third down or a timely hurry on a two-minute drill, their experience allows them to rise to the occasion.
4. Run Defense and Setting the Edge: Many older edge rushers, even as their pure speed might slightly diminish, retain their power and technique in setting the edge against the run. This is crucial for a Lions defense that prides itself on physicality and stopping the run. A veteran can help establish that tone and prevent outside runs from turning into big gains, complementing Hutchinson’s own strong run-stopping abilities.
The NFL marketplace for “old edge rushers” is fluid, but some names immediately come to mind that fit this mold, especially after the Lions recently cut Za’Darius Smith, who was brought in to fill this role but reportedly didn’t meet expectations or fit the long-term cap plan. The Times of India, just last month, even suggested the Lions look at Von Miller after cutting Smith.
- Von Miller (36 years old): While he’s battled injuries in recent years, when healthy, Miller is still capable of being a disruptive force. He’s a Super Bowl champion, a Hall of Famer in waiting, and a master pass rusher. His leadership and experience alone would be invaluable. His cap hit would be significant, but perhaps a short-term, incentive-laden deal could be structured.
- Carlos Dunlap (36 years old): Dunlap has been a remarkably consistent pass rusher throughout his career. While not a double-digit sack guy every year anymore, he’s always been able to generate pressure and set the edge. He’s a reliable, professional presence.
- Justin Houston (36 years old): Houston has proven over the last few seasons that he can still be a productive rotational pass rusher. He’s been effective in limited snaps and could provide that veteran spark and situational pass rush for the Lions.
The challenge for the Lions, as always, will be cap space and contract structure. As of June 2025, the team has some cap flexibility, but they also have significant long-term extensions looming for key players like Amon-Ra St. Brown (already signed), Jared Goff, and eventually Aidan Hutchinson himself. Any “old edge rusher” signing would likely need to be on a one-year, prove-it deal, or a heavily incentivized short-term contract, minimizing long-term cap implications.
General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell have shown a willingness to bring in veteran leadership and prioritize players who fit their “grit” culture. The recent cut of Za’Darius Smith suggests they are not afraid to move on if the fit isn’t perfect, even for a respected veteran. This indicates they would be looking for the right veteran, not just any veteran.
The Detroit Lions are in a Super Bowl window. They have a dominant offense and a defense that is improving. The missing piece, that consistent, veteran complement to Aidan Hutchinson, could be the difference-maker. It’s time for Brad Holmes to pick up the phone and make that call. Bringing in an “old edge rusher” isn’t just about adding sacks; it’s about adding wisdom, leadership, and that extra layer of fear for opposing quarterbacks that could push the Lions over the top. The Mayhem factor is already strong with Hutchinson, but a seasoned partner could make it truly unstoppable.
