It remains to be seen whether the Detroit Lions will add to their pass rush with another signing of a defensive end, but it’s clear that fans want another one. It’s a fair thing to want, as Detroit’s pass rush undeniably struggled last year toward the end of last year. At that point, the Lions were missing Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Derrick Barnes, and Alim McNeill—four players who are still on the roster and expected to play—but Detroit could certainly use some insurance.
So here’s a look at the best defensive ends remaining in free agency who could be a fit for Detroit.
Chiefs EDGE Charles Omenihu
On the field, Omenihu is exactly what the Lions want opposite Hutchinson: massive (6-foot-5, 280 pounds), violent, and fares well both in the run game (64.1 PFF run defense grade) and pass rush (7.0 sacks in just 11 games in 2023).
There are some red flags, though. For one, he was suspended for six games in 2023 for an alleged domestic violence incident. Injuries have also been a bit of an issue. He tore his ACL during the 2023 playoffs, causing him to miss the first half of the 2024 season.
Omenihu’s last contract was a two-year, $16 million contract, so he could be affordable if the Lions believe he is worth the risks.
Bears EDGE DeMarcus Walker
Another defensive end built like the edge-setter the Lions prefer (6-foot-4, 280), the former Broncos 2017 second-round pick will be entering his ninth NFL season. Walker produced a total of 86 pressures in the last two seasons in Chicago, while also being an average run defender. He’s capable of kicking inside and using his above-average athleticism to catch guards… off-guard. Sorry, Colby Sorsdal
Walker is probably best as depth, but he’s a capable three-down player who started all 17 games last year and has logged over 700 defensive snaps in back-to-back seasons.
Bills EDGE Von Miller
In Detroit, Miller would likely be a situational pass rusher. Soon to be 36 years old, Miller has played over 500 defensive snaps in a season just once since 2019. And at 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, he’s not exactly the three-down edge setter Detroit looks for in a starter.
But Miller can still effectively rush the passer. Per PFF, Miller was t-seventh in both his 18.4 pass rush win percentage and 9.6 pass rush productivity stats. Despite a limited role and 13 games played, Miller still produced 6.0 sacks and 32 pressures last season.
Dolphins EDGE Emmanuel Ogbah
Ogbah fits all the physical (6-foot-4, 278 pounds) and schematic tools necessary to play in Detroit, and his pass rush production has been quite solid for the entirety of his nine-year career. Going back to 2019, he’s had at least 5.0 sacks in all but one season—including a pair of 9.0-sack seasons in 2020 and 2021.
Capable of pushing for a starting job—he played 733 snaps last season and started 16 games—Ogbah is still in talks to return to Miami, but his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, says the deal offered isn’t good enough. Last year, Ogbah played on a one-year, $3.25 million deal, so he’s likely looking for a significant raise this year after being a full-time starter, tallying 5.0 sacks, and nine tackles for loss last season.
Cowboys EDGE Carl Lawson
Lawson’s career seemed to be burgeoning in 2020 after back-to-back 5.0+ sack seasons. However, an Achilles tear cost him his entire 2021 season. He showed resiliency by having his most productive year in 2022—producing 7.0 sacks. But he was then benched with the Jets for much of 2023, before finding a rotational role with the Cowboys last season after clawing his way up from the practice squad.
Lawson will be 30 by the time the 2025 season starts, but anyone who can still do this to Tristan Wirfs deserves at least a phone call.
