A new report suggests the Detroit Lions could soon reengage in their previous attempts to land one of the best pass rushers in the league, and badly hurt a division rival in the process.
The 2023 NFL season was a magical year for the Detroit Lions. Sure, they didn’t reach the Super Bowl and bring the franchise their first Lombardi Trophy, however, they were still one of the best teams in the league and reached the NFC Championship game for just the second time ever.
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Many of the key parts from last season’s team will be back in 2024 and the goal for the front office now will be to add the final pieces that can help them win it all next season. The Lions have been linked to several players in recent weeks, especially some of the notable cornerbacks in free agency and on the trade block.
However, according to 33rd Team NFL reporter Ari Meirov the Detroit Lions could target star Minnesota Vikings pass rusher Danielle Hunter when free agency opens on Monday. A player they tried to trade for last year.
- Danielle Hunter stats (2023): 16.5 sacks, 83 tackles, 22 QB hits, 4 forced fumbles
Danielle Hunter expected to be a top target for Detroit Lions in free agency
“People thought Danielle Hunter could get traded. He actually went up to the front office [last year] and asked, ‘Please don’t trade me. I want to stay here for the rest of the year.’ One of the teams that did give Minnesota a call was the Detroit Lions. Those two teams did do a trade previously of TJ Hockenson. They didn’t do it this time but I would keep an eye on them as well. I do believe he will not be back in Minnesota this offseason.”
The Lions have just over $46 million to spend in NFL free agency (via OverTheCap), so they do have the money to sign the four-time Pro Bowler, who will be hitting the market for the first time in his career and is looking for a huge payday. Especially after posting career highs in sacks (16.5) and tackles (83) in 2023.