The Detroit Lions are in need of some depth on their defensive line, and could have a chance to add a longtime veteran to provide it.
SI.com’s Gilberto Manzano broke down the most likely potential landing spots for some of the top remaining NFL free agents, including 40-year-old defensive tackle Calais Campbell. Manzano predicted he would find his way to Detroit, where he could provide depth and boost the team’s attempt at a rapid turnaround after a disappointing 2025 season.
Calais Campbell Has a Lot Left in the Tank
Manzano noted that Campbell still made a big impact in his last season with the Arizona Cardinals, putting him in an exceedingly rare spot for a defensive lineman over the age of 40.
“While it would be remarkable for Campbell to continue his career at 40, it shouldnât be a surprise based on how well he played last season with the Cardinals,” Manzano wrote. “He still commands plenty of attention on the field and has more to offer his teammates with his wealth of knowledge. The Lions could use Campbell to provide depth behind Alim McNeill and mentorship for 2025 first-round pick Tyleik Williams.”
As Manzano wrote, Campbell has appeared in 278 games across 18 NFL seasons and was productive in 2025, making 6.5 sacks and nine quarterback hits. That would immediately make him one of the most productive linemen for Detroit, as the team has struggled to find effective pass-rushing depth behind star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson.
The Lions just lost their most productive edge rusher outside of Hutchinson, with veteran Al-Quadin Muhammad leaving in free agency. The 31-year-old had his most productive NFL season in 2025, making 11.0 sacks and 20 quarterback hits in 17 games.
Lions Could Address Defensive Line in the NFL Draft
The Lions have made several attempts to boost their pass rush in recent years, finding only moderate results. Some analysts believe they will try again this offseason, investing a high draft pick on an edge rusher.
ESPN’s Matt Miller predicted the Lions would go for an edge rusher in the second round, taking UCF’s Malachi Lawrence. Miller suggested he would be a strong fit for the Lions and a replacement for Muhammad.
“We’ve been begging for the Lions to pick an edge rusher to play opposite Aidan Hutchinson,” Miller wrote. “Lawrence is a speedy, upside rusher with 4.52 speed and a 253-pound frame. He can easily slot in for departed free agent Al-Quadin Muhammad and be a Week 1 starter.”
It could be a steal for the Lions to land Lawrence in the second round. Many analysts peg him as a late first-round pick, and NFL.com expert Lance Zierlein predicted that his ceiling would be NFL All-Pro.
“An NFL-caliber edge rusher with prototypical size and length, Lawrence moves with the suddenness of a smaller player,” Zierlein wrote. Explosive get-off and a deep bag of moves/counters fuel his pocket disruption. He can win inside or outside but his speed-to-power conversion is average. His hands are subtle but skilled to quickly unlock openings and his secondary rush. He closes with burst and has the motor to hound scrambling quarterbacks.”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Lions Predicted to Add 18-Year Defensive Tackle in Offseason Move appeared first on Heavy Sports.