The Detroit Lions have had a lot of success in recent years with an edge rusher who was selected second overall in his draft.
After being taken behind Travon Walker back in 2022, Aidan Hutchinson has already racked up 28.5 in just 39 games, is a favorite for the Defensive Player of the Year Award next season, and has helped turn the Lions into a contender.
Maybe that success will convince the Lions to take a chance on an edge rusher who was also drafted second overall, but hasn't had quite the same kind of success.
The team needs another edge rusher they can pair with Hutchinson to boost a pass rush that finished with the NFL's 10th-least sacks in 2024.
There are plenty of options out there this offseason with a loaded free agent class and a couple of stars at the position who could be traded.
However, it's one of the names who will get less attention that the Lions have been named a fit for.
In an article discussing the best team fits for the NFL's top 50 free agents, ESPN's Matt Bowen named the Lions the best team fit for New Orleans Saints edge Chase Young.
Young was listed as the fifth edge rusher on the list and 39th overall free agent.
The 25-year old has already had a roller coaster NFL career.
He won the Defensive Rookie of the Year of award and was named a Pro Bowler back in 2020 after racking up 7.5 sacks and 24 pressures as a rookie.
Then he played just 12 games over the following two seasons, recording only 1,5 sacks.
In his fourth season, he turned things around with five sacks in his first seven games of the season, but the Commanders traded him to the San Francisco 49ers anyway.
He spent just half a season with the 49ers before joining his third team in 5 seasons as he headed to New Orleans on a one-year deal worth $13 million.
According to Pro Football Focus, he was responsible for a respectable seven sacks, but more importantly, had 66 total pressures.
How the Lions handle their pass rush this off season will be very interesting to see.
The return of Hutchinson in 2025 will certainly make a big impact for them. That could convince them not to take a big swing on one of the big names at edge rusher this offseason.
If they decide not to, Young is one of the more interesting discount options,
He was a monster in college and seemed like a sure thing heading into the draft.
Maybe there's still some hope that version of him could reemerge as he is still pretty young.
Even if he'll never be that guy again, he has definitely gotten his career back on track the past couple of seasons and proven he can still produce.
Many Lions fans would probably prefer one of the more accomplished options this offseason, but if Detroit chooses to spend elsewhere, there is some upside to bringing in Young.
