It was expected that the Detroit Lions were going to add depth to the current group of pass-rushing options. Even with one of the league's brightest stars in Aidan Hutchinson, there is a lack of depth that could be improved by bringing in a proven veteran option. Marcus Davenport is expected to be the other primary threat to the quarterback, giving the Lions a solid duo that simply could use a bit of rotational help. Looking at remaining free agent options, two potential fits stand out.
Jadeveon Clowney and Za'Darius Smith are both free agents and would easily improve the bottom of Detroit's pass-rushing options. However, this won't be the case with Adam Schefter reporting the Lions' claims on Tyler Lacy and Tyrus Wheat off of waivers. Lacy is an interior defender and won't factor into the pass rusher. Wheat is an undrafted free agent who spent the majority of his first two seasons on the Dallas Cowboys' Practice squad.
The Lions passed on more proven free agent options to add an undrafted third year player with a career 0.5 sacks. With that said, it is only fair to trust a front office that has consistently made savvy moves when it comes to building out the roster.
Lions claimed DT Tyler Lacy and DE Tyrus Wheat on waivers.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 27, 2025
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Questioning why Detroit made the decision is more than fair, but perhaps in a better defensive system, Wheat will prove to have a higher impact. There is also the angle of looking at players from a cultural fit. Campbell's gritty outlook isn't for everyone, and the remaining free agent targets have both had questions about fits in such systems. While Smith has already spent time with the Lions, it isn't as if the move was a slam dunk.
Smith's impact wasn't as productive as hoped, leaving the franchise searching for answers with a higher upside. With this in mind, adding Wheat does make a level of sense, even if it has a much lower floor than safer free agent signings.
Wheat will apply little pressure as well to the move proven options, understanding that if he joins the Lions' active roster throughout the season, it will be in a reserve role. Snaps are going to be extremely dependent on the health of superior options and where the Lions are in the standings. Detroit should continue to make moves over the next couple of days as rosters and practice squads are finalized as Week 1 continues to close in.