Before the start of this offseason’s free agency, Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes raised eyebrows when he admitted to studying film from the team’s Week 3 victory over the Arizona Cardinals due to his interest in one of their players.
That player was defensive tackle Roy Lopez. Detroit signed Lopez to a one-year, $3.5 million contract to join a defensive front that will likely be without Alim McNeil to begin the season.
Now, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report suggests the Lions should revisit footage from that same Cardinals game. In a piece about free agents who could still benefit each NFL team, Knox identified former Cardinals edge rusher Dennis Gardeck as a target for Detroit.
A potential deal with Gardeck wouldn’t match the value of the Lopez signing. Detroit currently lacks a trustworthy option at the second edge rusher spot and is in need of an upgrade. Gardeck isn’t the answer. He’s never played more than 50% of snaps in any NFL season and has only recorded 17 sacks across his seven-year career.
If the Lions want to bring in a veteran player, it should be someone capable of starting opposite Aidan Hutchinson. If they’re merely seeking depth for the rotation in 2025, the draft would be a better place to look. The Lions still have work to do at edge this offseason, but Gardeck doesn’t appear to be the right fit.
