Despite failing to make the playoffs in 2025, the Detroit Lions enter this offseason in “win now” mode. With injuries piling up and everyone getting a year older, this could be the most aggressive spring the Lions have had since the new regime's arrival in order to ensure their contention window doesn't close.
Detroit won't primarily be looking for players who can grow into a role during free agency. Instead, they’ll need a player that can produce while also fitting into their budget.
At no position is that need greater than at defensive end, and that could make Joey Bosa the Lions’ top target in free agency
Joey Bosa Could Boost the Lions’ Pass Rush This Offseason
Bosa isn’t the best name in a market that includes Trey Hendrickson and Khalil Mack. But Bosa provides the best of both worlds, with the ability to fit into the Lions' budget and give Aidan Hutchinson an elite pass-rush partner.
The third overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft has long been a productive pass rusher, logging 77 sacks over his 10-year career. While he began as a fixture on the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense, Bosa took his talents to Buffalo this season and came up with five sacks. While that production seems low, he still had plenty of impact plays, logging an NFL-high seven forced fumbles and his highest pressure total (54) since 2021 (69), according to Pro Football Focus.
With the Lions sitting $8.5 million over the salary cap per Over The Cap and contract extensions due for Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell, finding bargains in free agency will be key. Although Spotrac’s current market value for Bosa is $13.7 million, he could be willing to take a discount and be a mercenary at this stage of his career.
This would be a great development for the Lions. While Hutchinson has been one of the NFL’s best pass rushers, finding someone to take attention on the other side has been a problem.
Al-Quadin Muhammad filled the void with a career-high 11 sacks last offseason, yet his performance combined may prevent him from coming back to Detroit as he looks to cashin. The Lions could use Hendrickson as an all-in target, but his market value of $25.4 million may make him a pipe dream.
Bosa may not be the same player he was when racking up double-digit sacks earlier in his career. His injury history, which held him to 38 games the previous three seasons before coming to Buffalo, is a concern. But it could be the move that puts Detroit over the top and helps them reach expectations in 2026 if Bosa turns out to be a perfect fit in the Motor City.