Lions Urged to Release ‘Snakebitten’ Pass Rusher
The Detroit Lions had some of the NFL’s worst luck in 2024, suffering a string of major injuries with the majority of them hitting the defense.
The Lions are already off to a bad start this year as well, with edge rusher Josh Paschal in danger of missing the start of the season with an undisclosed injury. Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport suggested the injury could make Paschal a surprise cut candidate, with the Lions simply needing his spot on the roster for another player.
Josh Paschal Caught in ‘Numbers Game’
Davenport suggested that the Lions parting ways with Paschal would not be a reflection on his play as much as a “numbers game” on the roster.
“In a vacuum, the Lions would probably prefer to hold onto edge-rusher Josh Paschal,” Davenport wrote. “It’s not that he hasn’t disappointed over his tenure with the team—the second-round pick in 2022 has managed just five sacks over his first three seasons with the team.”
Davenport added that the Lions have been “snakebitten” by injuries, with Paschal part of the bad luck.
“Paschal currently finds himself on the Active/NFL list with an undisclosed injury, and Lions head coach Dan Campbell indicated it may be September before he is able to even return to practice,” Davenport wrote. “That means the Lions could be forced to let another, healthy player go so they can hold onto a pass-rusher who hasn’t been especially good at rushing the passer.”
Lions Could Use More Edge Rushing Help
The edge rush was one of the biggest points of weakness for the Lions in 2024, especially after Aidan Hutchinson was lost to a season-ending injury in October. Hutchinson was on pace for an All-Pro season, racking up 7.5 sacks in just under five games before he suffered the injury against the Dallas Cowboys.
The Lions struggled to find a competent replacement, with trade deadline acquisition Za’Darius Smith finishing the season in second on the team with 4.0 sacks.
While the Lions are set to get Hutchinson back on the field to start the season, the team has not made any other significant moves to boost their pass rush. Some believe that move is still coming, with the 32-year-old Smith still in their sights.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes said the team has been in contact with Smith’s agent and have kept the door open for a return, but haven’t been able to get on the same page as the veteran edge rusher just yet.
“Za’Darius did a lot of good things last year for us and we said we’re going to keep in contact with his agent, but everything’s not just one-sided,” Holmes said. “Za’Darius has expectations, the team has expectations, so sometimes it takes a while for those things to get on the same page. Especially a guy that’s been in the league as long as he has, I’m not saying that he doesn’t want to be in training camp, but if he misses some time, there’s obviously still interest there and we’ve been keeping in touch.”
