The Detroit Lions are doing their due diligence in their efforts to add a new edge rusher to Aaron Glenn’s defense.
According to Athletics“It’s no secret that Lions coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have been looking for an edge player since losing Aidan Hutchinson to a game-ending injury. season (Hutchinson hasn’t played since Oct. 13 but is still third in the NFL in sacks.) The team has checked in with numerous teams around the league, including Cleveland in hopes of landing Za. ‘Darius Smith.
AFC teams looking to make deals put trade talks on hold this weekend ahead of their Week 9 games as many general managers make their final assessment of their team’s playoff hopes.
If the Browns pull out a convincing win against the Chargers at home, it’s possible that Smith remains on the roster.
The Lions have also been linked to Azeez Ojulari of the New York Giants.
The 24-year-old is in the final year of his four-year, $6,774,908 rookie contract and will become an unrestricted free agent next season.
This year, the talented linebacker recorded six sacks, 24 tackles and a fumble recovery in eight games.
One name to pay attention to, should the Lions fail to land Smith, is Calais Campbell of the Miami Dolphins. The veteran defensive lineman excelled in Anthony Weaver’s defense.
Further reading
1.) 10 defensive players the Lions could trade for at the deadline
2.) 5Q: Run Game could decide the battle for first place
3.) Shannon Sharpe: Jameson Williams doesn’t like his money