The Detroit Lions desperately need to wash away the bad taste of the 2025 season. The campaign that began with Super Bowl aspirations capsized in the second half of the season and ended with missing the postseason entirely.
While the injuries on the defensive side of the ball certainly played a part, the Lions were certainly not good enough to contend, especially defensively. Finishing in the bottom half of the league in both points and yards allowed, the Lions have to improve on that end to have a chance in 2026.
The most obvious team need is greater pass-rush quality and depth. The Lions lacked a true difference-maker across from Aidan Hutchinson for a long time. Al-Quadin Muhammad exceeded all expectations and impressed last season, but he is a free agent, and his future in Detroit is uncertain. The Lions will need to add to their pass rusher rotation, and the Green Bay Packers may be gifting them with the ideal option soon.
Lions Could Benefit from Rashan Gary Being a Cap Casualty
The Packers have salary cap concerns heading into next season, and talented pass rusher Rashan Gary may be a cap casualty. The 28-year-old defender has a cap hit of $28 million in 2026 and $31 million in 2027. Cutting him would save the Packers nearly $11 million. That number increases to $19.5 million if the Packers designate him a post-June 1 cut.
With Micah Parsons-Lukas Van Ness pairing already established, it makes little sense for the Packers to have Gary around as the player with the second-highest cap hit on the team.
This creates an opportunity for the Lions. If Gary is cut by the Packers, this will give him additional motivation for revenge. Signing with the NFC North rivals would allow the veteran defender to face his former team twice a season. Plus, since the Lions need pass-rushing production, he would immediately have a large role as a starter.
Gary was on pace for a career year in 2025, recording 7.5 sacks over the first seven games of the season. After Week 8, however, Gary didn't record a single sack. He had 13 QB hits in the first half of the season compared to seven in the second half. He had zero tackles for loss in the final nine games of the campaign, as well.
However, Gary has a long track record of elite production. There is a reason he snagged a four-year, $96 million extension from the Packers in 2023. Since then, he only added to his resume, making his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2024.
If the Lions are priced out of Al-Quadin Muhammad or aren't interested in giving a multi-year deal to a 31-year-old defender who just had his career-best season, Gary would be an excellent fallback option. The move would give Detroit a psychological advantage over the Packers ahead of next season and add another dramatic twist to the rivalry.