NFL free agency: Is the Detroit Lions Best team fit for former second overall pick?
Boomer Esiason launched a scathing critique of a Giants draft prospect, while another headline declares that the Detroit Lions are the perfect fit for a former second overall pick who’s expected to hit free agency this offseason.
According to John Vaccaro (Feb 20, 2025, 8:05 PM EST), the Lions have experienced notable success recently, largely thanks to an edge rusher selected second overall. Taken just behind Travon Walker in 2022, Aidan Hutchinson has already amassed 28.5 sacks in 39 games, emerged as a top candidate for next season’s Defensive Player of the Year, and played a key role in turning the Lions into a legitimate contender.
Maybe that success will convince the Lions to take a chance on an edge rusher who was also drafted second overall, but hasn’t had quite the same kind of success.
The Detroit Lions are considered the top destination for a former second-overall pick in the upcoming free agency. The team’s success with edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who was also drafted second overall, has set a precedent for taking a chance on another talented player at the same position. With the Lions needing to bolster their pass rush, which ranked 10th lowest in sacks last season, adding a proven edge rusher could be the missing piece to complement Hutchinson and propel the team to further success.
However, it’s one of the names who will get less attention that the Lions have been named a fit for.
The Detroit Lions have been identified as the ideal team to sign edge rusher Chase Young, a former second-overall pick, in free agency. The Lions’ success with Aidan Hutchinson, another second-overall pick, has paved the way for considering Young. Despite his inconsistent career, Young has shown promise, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020. With the Lions needing to bolster their pass rush, pairing Young with Hutchinson could be a winning combination.
He was a monster in college and seemed like a sure thing heading into the draft.
Maybe there’s still some hope that version of him could reemerge as he is still pretty young.
Even if he’ll never be that guy again, he has definitely gotten his career back on track the past couple of seasons and proven he can still produce.
Many Lions fans would probably prefer one of the more accomplished options this offseason, but if Detroit chooses to spend elsewhere, there is some upside to bringing in Young.