As the offseason begins, the Detroit Lions can shift their focus to addressing roster needs. General manager Brad Holmes emphasized during his season-ending press conference that the team will stick to its long-term plan rather than chasing a “Super Bowl window” that some believe may be closing.
One area Holmes cannot overlook is the edge rusher position, which remains thin despite the healthy return of Aidan Hutchinson and the expected return of Za’Darius Smith. This offseason, the Lions will likely add reinforcements through free agency, the draft, or both.
After experiencing the sting of a playoff loss, the Lions know players often take time to reflect on their futures. For instance, following the Los Angeles Chargers’ Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans, Khalil Mack announced he needed time to consider his next steps. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Mack has decided to continue playing in the 2025 season.
Mack, a nine-time Pro Bowler who turns 34 in February, is set to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career. Teams in need of pass-rush help, especially contenders, are expected to show interest.
SportsGrid’s Zack Cook predicts the Lions will sign Mack, noting, “As long as Khalil Mack avoids retirement, he’s proven he can still make an impact on defense. A short-term deal with a contending team seems likely.”
Though Mack’s sack total dropped from 17 in 2023 to six this season, he remained productive with two sacks in the Texans game, a top-30 ranking in quarterback pressures, and a top-25 pass rush win rate among edge rushers with 200+ snaps.
Despite his individual accolades—including a 2016 Defensive Player of the Year award, nine Pro Bowl appearances, and three All-Pro honors—Mack has yet to win a playoff game (0-5). At this stage in his career, his focus seems to be on achieving team success, making him an intriguing fit for a Lions team looking to strengthen its defense.
