Detroit Lions Linked To Ex-Cowboys To Help Aidan Hutchinson
Silhouette and Aidan Hutchinson/Images via Imago
Silhouette and Aidan Hutchinson/Images via Imago
It feels like the good times for the Detroit Lions players are back. Recently, the Lions extended Jack Campbell’s contract, and now the Lions are linked to a potential complement to Aidan Hutchinson from the Dallas Cowboys.
As reported by ESPN’s Matt Bowen, the Motor City team could be the best fit for edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney from the Cowboys.
“Detroit drafted edge rusher Derrick Moore in the second round to play opposite Aidan Hutchinson on pass-rushing downs, but Clowney would provide more depth up front,” Bowen wrote.
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 09: A close up view of the face and eye black of Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson 97 without his helmet on as he watches the video scoreboard before the Detroit Lions versus Washington Commanders National Football League game at Northwest Stadium on November 9, 2025 in Landover, MD. Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA NOV 09 Lions at Commanders EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon9662511090002
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 09: A close up view of the face and eye black of Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson 97 without his helmet on as he watches the video scoreboard before the Detroit Lions versus Washington Commanders National Football League game at Northwest Stadium on November 9, 2025 in Landover, MD. Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA NOV 09 Lions at Commanders EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon9662511090002
With the departure of Al-Quadin Muhammad to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Lions were short of an edge rusher opposite Hutchinson.
To fill the void, the Lions drafted Derrick Moore from the University of Michigan. But Bowen believes that Clowney would provide more depth at the position.
“He had 8.5 sacks and 32 pressures last season in 13 games for the Cowboys, winning late in the down to get to the quarterback. Clowney would provide rotational value for coordinator Kelvin Sheppard’s unit.”
Per Pro Football Reference, the veteran appeared in 13 games during his stint with the Cowboys. He also recorded 8.5 sacks, 32 pressures, 29 hurries, and two hits.
Keeping up with the production, he recorded 26 successful tackles. This is why Bowen believes that he could ease up the pressure on Aidan Hutchinson.
The Houston Texans selected Clowney with the first overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. So far in his career, he has played for several teams, including the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, and the Cowboys.
Clowney could be a help to Aidan Hutchinson, but he is not alone if he is signed, there will be Derrick Moore in the depth chart, who is already eager to assist Hutchinson.
Derrick Moore Could Become Key Support for Aidan Hutchinson in Lions Defense
The Detroit Lions drafted Derrick Moore in the second round as the 44th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
According to Christian Booher of the Detroit Lions on SI, the defensive end has shown his strong desire to assist Aidan Hutchinson across the defensive line to ease up the pressure on him.
When I eventually get that role, my whole thinking process is how can I help Hutch?" Moore said. "I feel like Hutch is the starter, so how can I help take all of that stress off him…”
He defined his role around Hutchinson, the rookie talent wants to establish himself as the complement to Hutchinson in his rookie season.
According to Michigan Athletics, in his last collegiate season, Moore appeared in 12 games, recording 10 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 30 tackles.
With Moore already at the depth with DJ Wonnum for Hutchinson, the new link between Clowney and the Lions could add another veteran presence on the depth chart.
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Written by
Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker