The Detroit Lions could look to upgrade their pass rush this offseason, as the team didn't have many impactful pass rushers on their defense in 2025 outside of Aidan Hutchinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad, who is set to hit unrestricted free agency in the spring.
Bringing back Muhammad would be a logical move by Detroit, but FanSided's Cody Williams predicts the Lions will bolster their defensive line with an experienced veteran by signing Denver Broncos defensive end John Franklin-Meyers.
Here is what Williams said of Franklin-Meyers and his fit in Detroit.
"The Lions not further addressing their defensive front last offseason has bitten them throughout this year, and I don't foresee Brad Holmes letting it happen again. Franklin-Myers seems like the right type of target to make such a move."
Franklin-Meyers has enjoyed the two best seasons of his career with the Broncos in 2024 and 2025. The 29-year-old tallied seven sacks and 53 quarterback pressures last year, and entering Week 18 of this season, he's matched his 2024 sack total of seven and also has 39 quarterback pressures.
Versatility is by far Franklin-Meyer's biggest strength. The Stephen F. Austin product's ability to line up anywhere on the defensive line and make an impact is incredibly valuable, which will be his major selling point as he hits free agency in March.
Adding Franklin-Meyers to the defensive line would be a savvy move from Lions general manager Brad Holmes. Franklin-Meyers isn't expected to land a massive deal, as Spotrac projects he'll sign a contract worth around $7.6 million annually, and his skill set would be a nice complement to Hutchinson and potentially Muhammad, if he re-signs.
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