As we approach the end of the first week of NFL free agency, the Detroit Lions have yet to address their most pressing need: an edge rusher.
While the Lions did re-sign Marcus Davenport, he remains more of a depth piece, given his injury history, which the team witnessed firsthand in 2024. Additionally, the Lions parted ways with veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, opting not to take on his contract this season. This leaves a significant gap opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
To fill this void, Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire suggests the team should consider former Buffalo Bills edge rusher Von Miller, who was released after a six-year, $120 million contract this offseason.
Von Miller to Detroit?
“He’s six years—and a devastating ankle injury—removed from being a Pro Bowler, but the 35-year-old can still threaten the quarterback in a part-time role,” Risdon wrote. “Miller had six sacks in under 300 snaps for the Bills last year.”
Despite being 36 later this month, Miller showed he’s still capable. The seven-time All-Pro tallied six sacks and 32 total pressures in just 209 pass-rush snaps last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
While Miller may not be the dominant edge rusher he once was, he could serve as a solid replacement for Smith and a temporary solution for a Detroit squad likely eyeing an edge rusher in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The key factor here will be cost. With Miller approaching the end of his career, the Lions shouldn’t overpay. A one-year deal is ideal.
Looking at the Joey Bosa contract with the Bills (one year, $12.6 million), Miller is likely to sign a one-year deal between $10-$13 million. The Lions have the cap space to afford it, and given their Super Bowl aspirations for 2025, this could be a move worth making.
