The Detroit Lions went on the road and took care of business, defeating the Baltimore Ravens 38-30. In that contest, coordinators John Morton and Kelvin Sheppard put on a clinic, giving fans confidence that they'll be right back in the conversation to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
The Lions are always looking at ways to improve and could be eyeing help on the defensive side. Richard Silva of the Detroit News tweeted that Detroit had DL Quinton Jefferson in for a visit per the NFL's transaction wire.
Lions Brought Quinton Jefferson In for a Visit
Per Pro Football Focus, Detroit recorded 30 pressures, seven sacks, and a forced fumble in Week 3 versus the Ravens. Al-Quadin Muhammad was the breakout player from the win, as he finished with 2.5 sacks.
Despite the defensive line looking stout in the win, Jefferson could be a potential addition to that group. He's 32 years old but has produced 252 pressures and 28.5 sacks in his career across 115 games. Jefferson has also logged 81 QB hits, 31 TFLs, and four forced fumbles.
The Lions have Alim McNeill (knee) on the PUP list, and Levi Onwuzurike (knee) is out for the 2025 season. Those were two players who would be in the rotation if healthy, but they are sidelined. Detroit may be looking for more beef and pass-rush juice inside.
Jefferson wouldn't be brought in to be a run defender, but more of a pass rusher. The Lions could use him in a depth role, playing potentially 15-20 snaps a game to give rest to other guys and generate pressure if needed.
Having several guys you can throw at offensive lines is how you keep other defensive linemen more rested throughout the game. Creating pressure is how the best teams in this league consistently compete and get wins.
That's what the Lions did in the win over the Ravens, and this visit shows they aren't content with this team. They are looking for ways to get better, and the defensive line is an area they are peaking at.
Whether or not this translates to a deal remains to be seen, but adding another defensive lineman is never a bad idea. Detroit has already dealt with multiple injuries up front, and that was also a problem that plagued them in 2024.
They are just staying proactive and that's what this Jefferson visit is all about.