The Detroit Lions were recently presented with what looks like a convenient solution to Marcus Davenport’s disappointing and injury-filled 2025 campaign. Even so, this is probably a move they should pass on and continue with their current plan.

It may come as a surprise to some fans that Detroit currently has two players sitting at nine sacks this season: Aidan Hutchinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad. Hutchinson’s presence near the top of that list is expected, but Muhammad’s impact has been a pleasant bonus for a defensive front that many worried about after the team chose not to chase bigger-name edge rushers like Za’Darius Smith last offseason. In hindsight, that restraint from general manager Brad Holmes has paid off.

Now, another veteran pass rusher has entered the picture. Following the Miami Dolphins’ playoff exit, Matthew Judon became available, with NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo noting that he could appeal to teams still in contention — Detroit included. On paper, it sounds logical.

In practice, it’s probably unnecessary.

Judon’s production has fallen off dramatically this season. Through 13 games, he hasn’t recorded a single sack and has managed only ten pressures and three quarterback hits. This is far from the disruptive force he once was, even compared to his most recent stint with Atlanta. At best, he’d serve as a rotational depth piece — a role Detroit already has covered with Muhammad.

That’s not to say the Lions’ pass rush has been flawless. While the overall statistics look respectable, the defensive line has struggled to maintain dominance for extended stretches. Hutchinson hasn’t fully regained the explosiveness he showed before his broken leg in 2024, and Muhammad’s success has come in spurts rather than week-to-week consistency.

Judon could theoretically help offset the lack of production from Davenport, whose season has once again been derailed by injuries. Adding a veteran body into the rotation might reduce the burden on the rest of the defensive front and, in turn, make life easier for a banged-up secondary by speeding up opposing quarterbacks.

Even so, history suggests Detroit won’t make this move. The Lions have repeatedly declined chances to add experienced help at various positions, including the secondary, passing on players like Asante Samuel Jr. and Darius Slay. By now, fans know the organizational philosophy well.

The message from the coaching staff and front office has been consistent all season: they believe the roster they have is sufficient — and they’re sticking with it.