The Detroit Lions have been trying to support edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson with veteran free agent additions on the opposite edge of the team’s defense. But that has only provided the unit short-term answers.
Athlon’s Luke Easterling proposed a solution that would complement Hutchinson for the foreseeable future — Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell.
Easterling predicted the Lions take Howell at No. 17 overall in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
“It’s obvious that Aidan Hutchinson is one of the NFL’s most dominant edge defenders, but the Lions are still searching for a worthy running mate who can line up across from him and take advantage of 1-on-1 opportunities,” Easterling wrote. “Howell proved in 2025 that he’s capable of single-handedly ending drives and taking over games, and he can win with a wide range of tools, from speed and power to polished technique and well-timed counter moves.”
Howell became a star at Texas A&M during the 2025 season. He posted 11.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and 31 combined tackles.
Over five seasons of college football, Howell had 127 combined tackles, 35.5 tackles for loss and 27 sacks.
How the Lions Find Another Edge Rusher to Play With Aidan Hutchinson
The Lions actually had quite the pairing at defensive end last season with Hutchinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad.
Each player reached double-digit sacks. Muhammad registered a new career-best with 11 sacks.
Muhammad, though, is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in March. Coming off a career year at 30 years old, it seems unlikely the Lions break the bank to keep Muhammad.
That’s why it could be very important for the Lions to find an edge rusher early in the 2026 Draft.
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