The 2024 NFL season hasn’t even begun yet and there are analysts out there who are already looking ahead to 2025. And one NFL analyst recently made a pair of suggestions for what the Detroit Lions should do next offseason.
The analyst is Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder, and he thinks the Lions should sign defensive end Josh Sweat and draft Oregon wide receiver Evan Stewart in 2025.
Here’s more from Miller on both.
2025 Free Agency: DE Josh Sweat, Philadelphia Eagles
With Marcus Davenport only on a one-year deal and John Cominsky being an impending free agent, Detroit will be looking for another defensive end to play on the other side of Aidan Hutchinson this offseason.
Sweat should pique the organization’s interest as he fits its brand of physical football and is a well-rounded player. The 27-year-old, who turns 28 in March, has racked up 35 career sacks and 45 TFL in six seasons.
2025 NFL Draft: WR Evan Stewart, Oregon
Barring Jameson Williams having a breakout campaign, Brad Holmes will likely be looking for a wide receiver in the draft to complement Amon-Ra St. Brown. Stewart should be on Holmes’ radar as he can line up out wide and create separation.
“As a route-runner, Stewart changes directions and levels quickly to generate ample natural separation,” The Draft Network’s Damian Parson wrote. “His movements are sharp and deliberate at the top of his routes. He is a good salesman, selling the vertical routes to put the DB into distress and flip their hips to turn and run with him.”
Based on what the Lions have going for them in 2024, both players are realistic options for Detroit.
The Lions didn’t do a lot to beef up their edge rusher group this offseason. They signed Marcus Davenport, but he’s got injury concerns and is only on a one-year deal.
At wide receiver, even if Jameson Williams pans out this year, Detroit should still think about adding another boundary receiver. But the situation will become dire if Williams doesn’t answer the bell.
Sweat has tallied six or more sacks in each of the past four seasons, including a career-high 11 in 2022. At 6-foot and 175 pounds, Stewart is projected to be a boundary receiver and Day 2 pick.
