Lions Could Target 4-Time Pro Bowler After Sudden Release: Insider

One insider thinks the Detroit Lions might increase their pass rush production this season—a desire they have made clear—by bringing in a four-time Pro Bowler who was just released.

At his request, outside linebacker Justin Houston was waived by the Carolina Panthers, and he was able to clear

waivers to enter free agency. According to Cory Woodroof of USA Today’s For the

Win, the 34-year-old can still improve a defensive club that is in contention.

Houston can still offer a seasoned presence for any team’s pass rush, even though he isn’t quite the game-wrecking

talent he was in his heyday, according to Woodroof. “He just has nine tackles and

a half-sack this season, but he has 10.5 sacks for the Baltimore Ravens in One

postseason game and seventeen regular season games.

Woodroof picked the Lions as one of the likely landing points, noting that they could use some reinforcements for what could be a Super Bowl run.Lions Could Add ‘Extra Pass Rush Juice’

Lions Could Add ‘Extra Pass Rush Juice’

The Lions have the appearance of a squad that may fight for a championship as they are about to win their first divisional championship in thirty years, according to Woodroof. By adding Houston, their occasionally unreliable defense might get an advantage over the potent attacks they would probably face in the postseason.

The Lions “certainly look like the team that could give the San Francisco 49ers

their best challenge in the NFC after thrashing the Denver Broncos on Saturday,” wrote Woodroof.

“Houston could readily supply the team with a little more pass rush juice, which

they could use.” For a young Detroit club that will play important football in January, this would be a fantastic fit.

Veteran pass-rusher Bruce Irvin was a free agent when he was signed by the Lions in November. In the team’s victory over the New Orleans Saints, Irvin, who has only played in one game thus far, recorded a sack.

Lions Aim to Improve Pass Rush

The Lions have occasionally had trouble producing a reliable pass rush. Even though Aiden Hutchinson, a second-year player, is still capable of being a star, the team has struggled to establish a lead and has had some missteps.

In Detroit’s Thanksgiving 29–22 loss to the Green Bay Packers, quarterback Jordan Love did just that, completing 22 of 32 throws for 238 yards and three touchdowns in addition to a 37-yard dash. The Lions only managed four quarterback hits and were unable to sack Love.

While praising Love after the game, Campbell stated his defense needs to do a better job of winning their matches.

“Guys occasionally have one-on-ones. We’re going to play some 1-on-1s again tomorrow because he needs to win that one. Return to our work and work it,” Campbell urged, as reported by SI.com. “But in the end, this man is playing the best Jordan Love has played in a full 60 minutes. He’s played some excellent football, but wow, he was really in the zone. He was making throws off the platform, landing them exactly where they should. Additionally, we were unable to exert enough pressure or close the game on the football.