For years, the Detroit Lions have been in the market for a reliable pass rusher to start opposite Aidan Hutchinson, but to no avail. They need to do right by their superstar defensive end, and with limited options, they might have to get creative.
The Lions took Michigan's Derrick Moore in the 2026 NFL Draft, but it might be a while before he's ready to make an impact or be a three-down type of guy. As such, they may have to turn to what's left of the free-agency pool to find some help.
Considering that, Jacob Infante of Pro Football Network predicted that Dan Campbell's team could be interested in Clelin Ferrell. Despite some evident red flags, he was actually pretty decent in limited snaps last season.
Lions may be wise to roll the dice on Clelin Ferrell
"After playing in just one game for the Chargers as a practice squad player, Clelin Ferrell carved out a niche for himself in the 49ers’ defensive rotation as they dealt with numerous injuries on that side of the ball. He’s hardly an impact defender off the edge, but he’s a solid enough contributor who had four sacks in eight games for San Francisco," Infante wrote.
To say that Ferrell's career has been disappointing would be a massive understatement. He entered the league as the No. 4 pick, and subpar play and injuries have stopped him from reaching the superstar level that scouts and experts thought he'd reach.
Thus far, he's made 98 career appearances, logging 184 total tackles, 21.0 sacks, 12 passes defensed, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. That said, he finally looks healthy, and he won't cost much.
According to Spotrac, Ferrell has a projected market value of just $4.7 million. The Lions have $22.5 million in available cap space, per Over The Cap, so they can certainly afford to make a run at the former first-rounder.
As disappointing as his career has been, he's just 28, and he might only need a change of scenery to finally be at his best. Also, it's not like the Lions need him to be Myles Garrett out there; he can be just a mentor and a placeholder while Moore works his way up the ladder and proves he's ready for the pros.
Whatever the case, the Lions have to do something. The NFC North will be brutal again next season, and failing to put pressure on the quarterback could be the difference between a divisional title and another playoffless season.
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