The Detroit Lions are expected to address their subpar pass defense this offseason.
However, Pro Bowl Report’s David Kenyon anticipated that the Lions will do it without leaving the NFC North.
Kenyon predicted the Lions will sign Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter to a three-year, $67 million contract.
Pro Bowl prediction included a $51 million guarantee for Hunter.
“Hunter has notched 10-plus sacks in five of his eight seasons and tallied a career-best 16.5 in 2023,” Kenyon stated in an email.
“His worth has practically never been higher.
While Minnesota’s financial situation is unfortunate (self-inflicted), the NFC North opponent Detroit Lions have a significant need for pass rushers.
Hunter was named second-team All-Pro in 2018.
He’s also made the Pro Bowl in four of the last five seasons, including 2022 and 2023.
Hunter has recorded double-digit sacks five times throughout his eight-year NFL career.
The only time he failed to reach 10 sacks in the previous five years was in 2021, when he played only seven games.
In 2023, Hunter had a career-high 16.5 sacks and led the NFL with 23 tackles for loss. He also had 22 QB hits and four forced fumbles.
Hunter, who will turn 32 before the end of his three-year contract, makes a lot of sense for Detroit.
Last season, the Lions ranked top in many analytic pass rushing measures, including pressure rate, hurry percentage, and quarterback knockdown rate. They were tied for 23rd in sacks, with 41.
Aidan Hutchinson and defensive tackle Alim McNeill combined for 16.5 of the 41 sacks.
No other Lions defender accumulated more than three.
Hunter would provide the Lions with a Pro Bowl-caliber edge rusher opposite Hutchinson.
Hunter’s arrival should elevate Hutchinson’s game, potentially resulting in 30-35 sacks between the two rushers alone.
Hunter has recorded double-digit sacks five times throughout his eight-year NFL career.
The only time he failed to reach 10 sacks in the previous five years was in 2021, when he played only seven games.
In 2023, second-year defender James Houston was anticipated to be the edge rusher to support Hutchinson.
However, Houston missed the most of the 2023 season due to an ankle injury acquired in Week 2.
Houston still has the potential to play an important role in Detroit’s future. However, the Lions should not be discouraged from chasing Hunter, who is already an exceptional edge russh
Hunter, who recently had a career year in sacks, tackles, tackles for loss, and tackles for loss, has the potential to transform Detroit’s defensive line into one of the league’s best.
