Football's offseason is officially picking up steam now that the 2025 NFL draft is two weeks away. Even though Detroit Lions management likely has its sights set on adding rookies from this year's class, there's still more than enough time for general manager Brad Holmes to sign a veteran free agent or two if it means taking a step closer to a potential Super Bowl run.
One free agent the Lions reportedly have their eye on is veteran pass rusher DeMarcus Walker. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler recently reported that Detroit met with the ex-Chicago Bears EDGE last week, leaving time to tell if the two sides can put pen to paper before the draft.
Although things can quickly change in a few days around the NFL, it looks like the Lions are one step closer to signing their latest offseason target.
Lions Take One Step Closer to Signing Former Bears DE DeMarcus Walker
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported earlier this week that Walker was set to meet with the New York Giants on Wednesday. While competition for a free agent isn't necessarily good, the situation is positive for the Lions considering that the 30-year-old disruptor seemingly left the Giants meeting without a contract.
Assuming that the lowly Giants didn't do enough to sway him in their favor, it looks like the Lions still have an even better shot of adding Walker to their roster.
Pass rush improvements are needed after the Lions' unit lost a handful of names this offseason. John Cominsky announced his NFL retirement last month while Jonah Williams headed down south with the New Orleans Saints. Standout pass rusher Za'Darius Smith is still a free agent, however, the chances of a reunion might not be that great based on his poor playoff performance.
In other words, Walker would be a welcomed addition to defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard's arsenal.
The former Florida State standout is a former 2017 second-rounder who's played 100 NFL games across eight seasons, racking up 117 solo tackles, 26.5 sacks, two broken-up passes, and a pair of forced fumbles along the way. He also started in 29 of his 34 appearances with the Bears over the last two seasons, proving he's experienced enough to play significant snaps in the Motor City.
Every pass rush #Bears Demarcus Walker had against the Vikings on MNF. pic.twitter.com/sCZYRk4SzP
— ImBearingDown (@ImBearingDown) November 30, 2023
Considering how he was bought out by the Bears near the end of February, the Lions can likely use that fact to sign Walker on a cheaper contract. Even if GM Holmes has to offer more money to lure the 6-foot-4 EDGE away from any potential suitors, that shouldn't be an issue given that Spotrac lists Detroit as having over $42.8 million in available cap space.
NFL GMs typically like to have a good idea of how their roster is shaping up before the draft. The Lions probably want to have the Walker situation settled within the next two weeks, meaning it might not be long before Detroit fans learn if it's time to add another jersey to their collection.