Last season, Hutchinson posted 11.5 sacks in his second NFL season as the Lions barnstormed to the NFC Championship Game before coming up short against the San Francisco 49ers.
While the Lions have added Marcus Davenport, last season — and Detroit’s second-half collapse in San Francisco underscored the notion that a contender can’t have enough pass rushers.
As free agency continues, Bud Dupree could fill a glaring need for the Lions.
How Bud Dupree Could Solve Big Problem for Detroit Lions
Dupree and Hutchinson would create a formidable pass-rush duo in the motor city.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox put together a list of the best free agent fits for Super Bowl contenders, with Dupree and the Lions making the cut as an ideal match.
“Standout edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson led the Lions with an impressive 11.5 sacks last season,” Knocks writes. “However, he was the only player to top five sacks. Defensive lineman Alim McNeill was second on the team with five.
“While Detroit added Marcus Davenport in free agency and should have James Houston (ankle) healthy again next season, there’s room for another rotational edge. The Lions should take a long look at Bud Dupree, who revitalized his career a bit with the Falcons after a couple of disappointing campaigns with the Tennessee Titans. Dupree finished the 2023 season with 6.5 sacks and 24 quarterback pressures to go with two forced fumbles and eight tackles for loss. His best season came in 2019, when he logged 11.5 sacks while playing opposite star sack artist T.J. Watt. By partnering with Hutchinson, Dupree would again benefit from having an elite pass-rushing complement.”
Last season, Dupree added 38 total pressures in 433 pass-rush snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, underscoring his ability to be disruptive in the backfield.
Dupree makes a lot of sense for the Lions because of his ability to contribute quality pass-rush snaps, and Detroit could rank high on the veteran’s wishlist because of the chance to chase a Super Bowl ring in the upcoming 2024 campaign.