Detroit Lions Urged To Add Former Defensive Rookie Of The Year In Free Agency
The Detroit Lions are fresh off a successful season, but general manager Brad Holmes is already focused on the next step: building a roster capable of reaching the Super Bowl. One of the most glaring needs is a consistent pass rush opposite star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. According to one recent analysis, a solution may be available on the open market in the form of former Defensive Rookie of the Year, Joey Bosa.
Detroit Lions Urged To Sign Joey Bosa
CBS Sports analyst Jared Dubin recently identified the Detroit Lions as an ideal landing spot for Bosa, who is set to become a free agent after a one-year stint with the Buffalo Bills. For a team looking to add veteran savvy and proven production to its defensive front, the suggestion of this pairing is an intriguing one. This move could provide the critical pass-rushing support Hutchinson needs to take the defense to the next level.
Why Joey Bosa Makes Sense for Detroit
The logic behind connecting Bosa to the Lions is straightforward. The team’s defense, while opportunistic, struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks without relying on complex blitz packages. Hutchinson is a bona fide star, but he frequently faced double-teams and extra attention from offensive lines. Adding a respected veteran like Bosa to the other side would fundamentally change how offenses have to block the Lions’ front four.
As Dubin noted, “The Lions always need pass rush help across from Aidan Hutchinson.” Bosa, even at this stage of his career, commands respect. His presence would create more one-on-one opportunities for Hutchinson and other interior rushers like Alim McNeill. Bosa’s experience and high football IQ would also be a valuable asset in the locker room and meeting rooms, providing mentorship for a relatively young defensive line.
Furthermore, the Lions’ potential salary cap limitations make a player like Bosa an interesting target. While he signed a one-year, $12.6 million deal with Buffalo last year, his market value may have shifted. If he can be signed to a more team-friendly, short-term contract, it would represent the kind of high-upside, “bargain bin” shopping that could pay huge dividends for a team with championship aspirations.
Bosa’s Recent Performance and Fit
At 30 years old, Bosa is no longer the dominant, every-down force he was in his prime with the Los Angeles Chargers. His 2025 season with the Buffalo Bills was a mixed bag. He started strong, but his production waned down the stretch, as he failed to record a sack in the final five weeks of the season and playoffs. He finished the year with 29 tackles and five sacks, along with an impressive five forced fumbles.
Critics might point to this decline as a red flag, but the context is important. He was still effective at generating pressure, and his role in Detroit would be different. He wouldn’t be asked to be “the guy” on the defensive line; that’s Hutchinson’s job. Instead, Bosa would be a high-end rotational piece and a designated pass rusher, a role where he has proven he can still excel.
His desire to win a championship is also a key factor. When he joined the Bills, Bosa spoke about his urgency to contribute to a winning team as he enters the back end of his career. “I’m running out of time here, it’s going fast,” Bosa said. “I have to grasp them while I can… all that’s on my mind is going to be football this year, and helping the team.” This mentality aligns perfectly with the culture Dan Campbell has built in Detroit. The Lions are a team on the cusp of greatness, and adding a hungry, motivated veteran like Bosa could be the perfect catalyst.
The Financials of a Potential Deal
The biggest hurdle for any move this offseason will be the salary cap. After extending several key players, the Lions are not expected to have a massive amount of spending money. This is why targeting a veteran like Bosa on a value contract makes so much sense. He is unlikely to command the top-tier money that younger edge rushers will receive, but he can still provide significant on-field impact.
General Manager Brad Holmes has a history of finding value in free agency, and a deal for Bosa would fit that mold. A one- or two-year contract loaded with incentives would protect the team from a decline in performance while giving Bosa the opportunity to earn a significant salary if he produces. It’s a low-risk, high-reward scenario that could significantly bolster the Lions’ pass rush.
Ultimately, the suggestion to pursue Joey Bosa is a compelling one. He fills a major position of need, his mentality aligns with the team’s culture, and his contract demands may fit within Detroit’s budget. While he may not be the same player he was five years ago, he doesn’t need to be. As a complementary piece to Aidan Hutchinson, Joey Bosa could be the veteran presence that helps push the Lions’ defense over the top.
