Aidan Hutchinson has emerged as one of the NFL’s most dominant pass rushers, but the Detroit Lions must continue to improve their pass rush if they hope to compete for a Super Bowl.
Hutchinson recorded 11.5 sacks in his second NFL season, leading the Lions to the NFC Championship Game before falling short against the San Francisco 49ers.
While the Lions signed Marcus Davenport last season, Detroit’s second-half collapse in San Francisco reinforced the notion that a contender cannot have enough pass rushers.
As free agency begins, Bud Dupree may address a critical need for the Lions.
How Bud Dupree Could Solve a Major Problem for Detroit Lions
Dupree and Hutchinson would form a devastating pass-rush duo in Detroit.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox compiled a list of the greatest free agency fits for Super Bowl contenders, including Dupree and the Lions.
“Standout edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson led the Lions with an impressive 11.5 sacks last season,” Knocks writes. “However, he was the only player with more than five sacks. Alim McNeill, a defensive lineman, ranked second on the team with five.
“While Detroit signed Marcus Davenport in free agency and should have James Houston (ankle) back next season, there is room for another rotational edge. The Lions should take a close look at Bud Dupree, who has rejuvenated his career with the Falcons following a pair of poor seasons with the Tennessee Titans. Dupree ended the 2023 season with 6.5 sacks, 24 quarterback pressures, two forced fumbles, and eight tackles for loss. His greatest season came in 2019, when he recorded 11.5 sacks against star sacker T.J. Watt. Dupree would benefit from having an elite pass-rushing complement if he teamed up with Hutchinson.
According to Pro Football Focus, Dupree had 38 total pressures in 433 pass-rush actions last season, demonstrating his ability to disrupt the backfield.
Dupree makes a lot of sense for the Lions because of his ability to contribute strong pass-rush snaps, and Detroit might be high on the veteran’s wishlist due to the opportunity to win a Super Bowl in the upcoming 2024 season.
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