ESPN: Lions close in adding Bargain outstanding defender in a blockburster deal.

One “bargain” sticks out as a good match as the Detroit Lions work to address weaknesses in free agency.

Adding to the pass rush might be another crucial move for the Detroit Lions, who have a lot of defensive problems to deal with this summer.

The Lions had to cope with Aidan Hutchinson’s departure this season. They also lost additional depth players up front, which made things harder for them as the season went on. Thankfully, a reset is possible due to health and the offseason.

In the past, Detroit hasn’t been big on spending, preferring to unearth gems in the rough to complete their team. This offseason, it may occur once more, and edge rusher Josh Uche would be the ideal candidate.

Because of his exceptional pass rush skills, Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay identified Uche as one of seven “bargain bin” free agents this season.

Over the last three seasons, Uche has continuously had one of the league’s greatest pass-rush victory rates while he is on the field. Before being traded to the Chiefs, he was in the top 15 edge defenders in that metric, even during a difficult 2024 season.

“Although 240 pounds and 6’1″, Uche is undersized and a weakness against the run, he might still be used situationally and have great success in the proper combinations.” Uche may end up as one of the finest bargain acquisitions of the 2025 offseason given that he will be paid far less than the two-year, $15 million contract he allegedly rejected before rejoining the Pats.

“Uche is still just 26 years old and has proven to be a deadly disruptor, but he might not shine unless he finds a club that can cover up his shortcomings in the run game. At a low cost, almost all of the contenders that lack depth on the edge should be interested in signing Uche.

The Lions should be interested if Uche is available at a discount. His career totals of 20.5 sacks, 86 tackles, and two forced turnovers demonstrate how aggressive he can be when the circumstances call for it. He may find a second wind with the Lions at age 26, giving them more draft flexibility.

Josh Uche is a clear choice for the Lions in free agency.
Winning in the trenches against runners is not an issue for the Lions, who have had one of the best run defenses in the league for the past two seasons and will want to maintain that trend. The persistent problem has been creating pocket pressure, particularly in light of depth issues on the edge in recent years.

The ridiculousness of the Lions’ injury situation this season really got to general manager Brad Holmes.

“This was the first year where attrition, particularly attrition at one location, was a problem. We were hammered at linebacker during training camp, and the injury permeated the season. We’ve had to trade for a pass rusher (in season) for the first time this season. That was, in my opinion, the most challenging player acquisition process I have ever encountered.

An explosive talent like Uche might stop that problem from happening again in 2025. Uche, who was formerly teammates with Hutchinson at Michigan, might be let wild on the edge by the Lions. There is a sense of ease there, and it may help his career take off at the ideal moment.