The Detroit Lions have many defensive issues to address this offseason, and adding to the pass rush could be another important move for the franchise.
This season, the Lions didn't manage the loss of Aidan Hutchinson well. Beyond that, they lost other depth pieces up front which put them in a pinch as the season wore on. Fortunately, health and the offseason allow for a reset.
Detroit hasn't been prolific spenders in the past, choosing to find diamonds in the rough to round out their roster. That could happen again this offseason, and the perfect fit could exist in the form of edge rusher Josh Uche.
Bleacher Report's Alex Kay revealed Uche as one of seven "bargain bin" free agents for this year given his unique pass rush abilities.
"When he's been on the field, Uche consistently posted one of the league's highest pass-rush win rates over the past three seasons. Even during a trying 2024 campaign, he still ranked amongst the top-15 edge defenders in that category prior to being dealt to the Chiefs."
"Although undersized at 6'1", 240 pounds—making him a liability against the run—Uche could still be deployed situationally and find immense success in the right packages. Considering he's set to make far less than the two-year, $15 million deal he reportedly turned down before re-upping with the Pats, Uche may ultimately go down as one of the best value signings of the 2025 offseason."
"He may not shine unless he catches on with the right team that can hide his flaws in the run game, but Uche is still just 26 years old and has shown he can be a devastating disruptor. Just about every contender that lacks depth on the edge should be interested in bringing Uche aboard at a bargain price."
If Uche could be had at a bargain, the Lions should be interested. He has piled up 20.5 sacks, 86 tackles and two forced fumbles in his career, proving how active he can be in the right situation. At 26, he could find a second wind with the Lions and allow them greater flexibility in the draft.
Lions stand out as ideal fit for Josh Uche in free agency
The Lions have had one of the league's top run defenses the last two seasons and will look to keep that trend going, so winning in the trenches against runners is not a problem. Generating pocket pressure has been the consistent issue, especially given depth trouble on the edge the last few years.
General manager Brad Holmes was struck by the absurdity of what the Lions had to deal with on the injury front this season.
"This was the first year (dealing with attrition), especially attrition at one spot. (At) linebacker, we got hit in training camp and then it trickled into the season. It's the first time we've had to trade for a pass rusher (in season) this year. I will say that was the most difficult player acquisition journey that I've ever dealt with."
In 2025, an explosive player like Uche could prevent that crisis from playing out again. The Lions could turn Uche loose on the edge and allow him to operate well with Hutchinson, his former teammate at Michigan. There is a comfort factor there, and it could help his career to blossom at the right time.
