Lions Must Sign This Former All-Pro Free Agent Pass Rusher
The Detroit Lions didn’t make any moves to fix their defense at the NFL Trade Deadline, but that doesn’t mean they’re finished tinkering with the roster.
Detroit is in dire need of a pass rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson and one is available in free agency!
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Wednesday morning that Jason Pierre-Paul, 34, is looking to join a contender this season.
Free agent pass-rusher Jason Pierre-Paul, one of the top rushers still available, is now willing to sign with the practice squad of a playoff contender, per sources. He started 13 games for the #Ravens last year.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 8, 2023
And who else better to join than a fun and lovable Lions team on the rise?
Let’s break down this news, and try to determine if Pierre-Paul would move the needle.
Jason-Pierre Paul a Perfect Fit for Lions
Pierre-Paul seems desperate to return to football, saying he would even accept a spot on a team’s practice squad.
He’s been a free agent all season, but now that the deadline has passed, his value has gone up – as teams are unable to address any pass-rushing concerns through trades the rest of the season.
And there’s certainly evidence that he still has some juice left in the tank.
Pierre-Paul signed with Baltimore in September of last season and wound up playing in 14 games, finishing with 26 total tackles, three sacks, an interception and five pass breakups.
The Lions’ linebacking corps has been strong this season, but there has been little pressure on the quarterback from players not named Hutchinson or Alim McNeil (10.5 team sacks from everyone else through eight games).
Lions without cornerback Jerry Jacobs, but that can't be the reason their secondary looks so bad. Lamar Jackson carving them up. Not much of a pass rush either. Ravens lead 21-0. Lions have 6 yards and 0 first downs. Awful, so far.
— Bob Wojnowski (@bobwojnowski) October 22, 2023
Considering that Pierre-Paul is willing to sign a practice squad contract, what are the Lions waiting for? Go get Pierre-Paul and let’s make a run at competing for a Super Bowl for the first time in our lives!
If you’re amped up about your Lions, you can try to cash in on their next game with a shot to win $150 in bonus bets at FanDuel Sportsbook. Just sign up with the link below, deposit $10 or more and then bet $5 or more moneyline bet on Lions vs Chargers. If Detroit wins, you’ll get your winnings PLUS $150 in bonus bets!
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.