The Detroit Lions ended their 2024 regular season on a high note, dominating the Minnesota Vikings with a 31-9 victory at Ford Field during Sunday Night Football. This Week 18 win secured Detroit’s second consecutive NFC North title and marked a historic achievement as the franchise claimed the No. 1 seed in the NFC for the first time.
Thanks to their top-seed status, Dan Campbell’s team earns a bye week in the Wild Card round and will resume action in the Divisional Round. While this break offers the Lions a chance to rest and prepare for a much-anticipated playoff run, it also presents an opportunity for general manager Brad Holmes to strengthen the roster ahead of the postseason.
Despite having one of the NFL’s deepest rosters, the Lions face concerns at the edge rusher position. Injuries to key players Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport have weakened the unit. While Za’Darius Smith has significantly bolstered the pass rush, adding another edge rusher before the Divisional Round could be crucial for Detroit’s playoff ambitions.
With rosters frozen for playoff teams at 4 p.m. EST on Jan. 8, Holmes must act swiftly to make any additions. Although the free-agent market is thin this late in the season, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox has suggested the Lions sign veteran edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue to address their depth concerns.
“Detroit could also provide a sensible landing spot for Ngakoue,” Knox wrote. “The Lions defense has been hit hard by injuries, but the biggest blow was the loss of star pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson. He’s been out since Week 6 with a fractured tibia and fibula, and if he returns at all this year—a very big if—it probably won’t be until the Super Bowl.”
Ngakoue, 29, may not be the dynamic pass rusher he once was with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he could still serve as valuable depth for the Lions. This season, he appeared in 11 games—six with the New England Patriots and five with the Baltimore Ravens—recording 1.5 sacks and 10 quarterback pressures.
In 2022, Ngakoue delivered a strong campaign with the Indianapolis Colts, logging nine sacks and 44 quarterback pressures. While his 2023 stint with the Chicago Bears saw a drop in production with just four sacks, his experience could still be an asset to Detroit.
A 2016 third-round pick, Ngakoue has played for seven teams since 2019, becoming a journeyman in recent years. Although he’s no longer in his prime, the former Pro Bowler from Maryland could be a smart veteran addition to the Lions’ defensive line as they gear up for a Super Bowl push.
