The Detroit Lions surprised many by not making a major move this offseason to enhance their pass rush. Instead, they took a more reserved path, choosing to re-sign defensive linemen Al-Quadin Muhammad, Pat O’Connor, and Mitchell Agude.
Fans in Detroit would have preferred the team to retain Za’Darius Smith, who added a spark to the defense after being acquired at the trade deadline. Still, there’s clearly work to be done up front before the start of the season.
Free agency doesn’t offer many standout options at this stage, but Detroit is showing interest in a former Chicago Bears defensive end who could provide depth and possibly start opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Lions met with veteran DeMarcus Walker last week, as he searches for his next team. On Tuesday, ESPN’s Peter Schrager noted that Walker was also set to visit the New York Giants on Wednesday.
It’s no surprise the Lions are interested in Walker, who turned in a solid 2024 season with the Bears.
Starting full-time, the 30-year-old recorded a career-high 47 total tackles, 16 quarterback hits, seven tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. He also posted 23 quarterback pressures, improving from the 22 he logged in 2023 with Chicago.
Over two seasons with the Bears, Walker collected 45 quarterback pressures, 32 hits, 16 tackles for loss, and seven sacks in 34 appearances.
Pro Football Focus gave Walker a 61.3 grade for pass rushing (94th of 211 edge rushers) and a 62.3 grade for run defense (90th). These numbers won’t blow away Lions fans, especially from a full-time starter.
Still, with Detroit’s edge rotation looking thin, Walker could fill an important role and get a shot at payback. The Bears released him during the first week of free agency, cutting ties in the final year of his three-year contract.
