In a stunning twist, Pro Football Focus’ Gordon McGuinness has a different idea for the Detroit Lions’ offseason plans. While many analysts have been calling for the Lions to add another edge rusher to support defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, McGuinness suggests a different approach. He believes the Lions should focus on bolstering their defensive line by pursuing Justin Madubuike of the Baltimore Ravens.
According to McGuinness, adding Madubuike as an interior pass rusher could elevate the team’s defense to new heights. Madubuike had an impressive season, earning a 77.7 PFF pass-rushing grade and recording a total of 64 pressures, including 31 sacks and hits on quarterbacks. These numbers indicate that Madubuike is a force to be reckoned with.
During the 2023 season, Madubuike had a breakout year, earning his first Pro Bowl selection and being named to the second-team All-Pro. In his fourth season with the Ravens, he achieved career-high numbers with 13 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 33 quarterback hits. Additionally, Madubuike contributed 56 combined tackles and forced a fumble.
It’s clear that Madubuike’s performance has caught the attention of McGuinness and could be a game-changer for the Lions’ defense. Adding him to their roster would provide a formidable tandem with Hutchinson, potentially creating a dominant force on the field.
As the Lions consider their options in NFL free agency, the suggestion to pursue Madubuike offers a fresh perspective. While the focus has been on edge rushers, McGuinness believes that strengthening the interior of the defensive line could have a significant impact on the team’s overall performance. Only time will tell if the Lions heed this advice and make a move for Madubuike.
