The Detroit Lions have plenty of heavy lifting to do in the next few weeks to finalize their roster, but like every team, they will be watching to see what players get cut across the league.
While the Lions stand to lose some talented players, others could come into the mix, especially veterans that are looking to latch on somewhere else. Detroit offers players like that an intriguing opportunity given how close they theoretically are to a Super Bowl window.
When cuts are made, which veterans will be looking for a new job? Bleacher Report analyst Kristopher Knox has already begun to think about who could be on the bubble, and offered some names. Interestingly, he projects four veteran defensive linemen might get sliced from their current situations.
READ MORE: Ex-Lions receiver dealing with another blow to NFL career after latest cut
For Detroit's purposes, the most interesting names on the list are Denico Autry of the Houston Texans and Azeez Ojulari of the Philadelphia Eagles. Both players are veterans with multiple NFL seasons under their belt. Autry, who is 35, has enjoyed some major production in recent years.
"While Autry had just three sacks in 2024 and was sidelined by a knee injury to open camp, he should draw interest if released. He recorded at least 7.5 sacks per season between 2021 and 2023, with 36 sacks over that span."
In terms of Ojulari, the veteran has 22 career sacks and was added to the Eagles as a low-cost move in the offseason. Knox wondered if Philadelphia could slice him from their roster in a cost-cutting move.
"The Eagles may decide that saving $1.5 million in cap space is better than keeping Ojulari as a deep reserve. That doesn't mean, though, that he can't flourish elsewhere with a fresh opportunity."
Either player could give the Lions the type of depth they need up front, and could offer the defensive line rotation some insurance given how much experience the duo maintains. It's another example of why the Lions should keep a close eye on the free agency market the next few weeks.
Lions still need to look for veteran pass rush help before 2025 season
While Detroit may not elect to get involved in bidding for Trey Hendrickson, the fact remains that they could use a boost in the trenches to rush the passer. The Lions have promising pieces, but did sustain the loss of Levi Onwuzurike before the season.
A player of Hendrickson's caliber could cost a major sum via trade, and the Lions already have a big ticket item at pass rusher in Aidan Hutchinson. Thus, Detroit might not be ready to make such a bold trade, and a depth signing could make more sense.
Za'Darius Smith has been rumored to be interested in a return, but nothing seems imminent on that front. While Smith represents the best veteran option on the market for Detroit, there's no guarantee he returns. Other players can certainly chip in and offer the Lions some snaps and quality production.
Either Autry or Ojulari could be lower-cost options that have had pass rushing punch in the past, and if they are cut, both could be a solution for the Lions to provide depth rushing the passer. Detroit would have no other option but to look hard at signing either player providing they are released.
More Lions news and analysis