Lions predicted to sign former $141 million All-Pro defender to bolster defense

The Detroit Lions have been one of the best teams in the NFL this season, as Dan Campbell's squad posted a 15-2 regular season record and is the No.1 seed in the NFC. Detroit will look to clinch a second consecutive NFC Championship Game birth on Saturday, as the team will host Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders at Ford Field.

The Lions' offense receives a ton of recognition for the franchise's success, but Aaron Glenn's defense has also been tremendous this season. The unit ranked in the top ten in points allowed and rushing yards allowed per game during the regular season despite being ravaged by injuries.

Detroit's most significant defensive injury in 2024 has been the loss of superstar edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. The 2022 No.2 overall pick fractured his tibia and fibula during the team's Week 6 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Hutchinson is targeting a return for the Super Bowl, but it is currently unknown whether the 24-year-old will play again this year.

Hutchinson is one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL when healthy, but Detroit could use another formidable force on the defensive line. Sportsnaut's Matt Johnson predicts general manager Brad Holmes will go the free agency route to bolster the pass rush and sign Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack.

Khalil Mack is weighing retirement ahead of becoming one of the best pass rushers in NFL free agency. Heading into his age-34 season, he’s already racked up over 100 career sacks and been one of the most productive pass rushers of his era. On a one-year contract, Mack could work opposite of a healthy Aidan Hutchinson to be the high-end No. 2 edge rusher Detroit never had in 2024. Plus, a one-year contract keeps the Lions’ books clear for contract extensions with young stars in the future.
Mack's All-Pro level seasons are behind him, but the 33-year-old is still a savvy veteran who is productive. The nine-time Pro Bowler totaled six sacks and 49 quarterback pressures in 2024 and also posted an 87.7 run defense grade.

Additionally, Mack is just one year removed from a career-high 17 sack seasons in 2023, and the future Hall of Famer has missed just one game in the last three seasons.

Though Mack isn't the same player he once was, the three-time All-Pro is still a capable pass rusher and elite run defender who would be a high-level complementary pass rusher to Hutchinson and bring some veteran experience to a Detroit defense filled with young talent.