The Detroit Lions recently lost two defensive contributors. Now, a rising Texas star is being linked to Detroit as a possible fix.

Sports analysts Luke Esterling and Trevor Sikkema proposed that Cashius Howell is the missing piece in Dan Campbell’s positional duo philosophy. They suggested that pairing Cashius Howell and Aidan Hutchinson would fix the Lions roster gaps. 

“It’s obvious that Aidan Hutchinson is one of the NFL’s most dominant edge defenders, but the Lions are still searching for a worthy running mate who can line up across from him and take advantage of 1-on-1 opportunities,” Easterling wrote.

“Howell was one of the top pass rushers in college football over the past three seasons, bringing a tenacious and relentless rush style, and would pair nicely with Aidan Hutchinson,” Sikkema opines.

The 22-year-old edge rusher joined Texas A&M in 2024 after transferring from Bowling Green. Standing 6-foot-2 and 248 pounds, at the Aggies, Howell finished 71 total tackles (TOT), 15.5 sacks, 13 passes defended (PD), and 2 forced fumbles (FF), consistently pressuring quarterbacks. 

Over his college career, he has managed to accumulate 127 tackles, including 11.5 sacks. Howell also earned major recognition, including 2025 SEC Defensive Player of the Year and unanimous All-American honors, putting him on the radar as a potential first-round NFL Draft prospect.

How Cashius Howell Could Complement Aidan Hutchinson in Detroit

Analysts have pointed out that the Lions still need a consistent running mate for their star pass rusher.

As Athlon’s Luke Easterling explains, “Aidan Hutchinson is one of the NFL’s most dominant edge defenders, but the Lions are still searching for a worthy running mate who can line up across from him and take advantage of 1-on-1 opportunities.”

Adding another edge threat keeps offenses from focusing all their protection on Hutchinson. And Howell has built a reputation as a productive pass rusher who can attack quarterbacks from different alignments.

One analysis describes him as “a high-motor, productive pass rusher who has shown the ability to line up at different spots,” noting that Detroit needs another edge defender to reduce Hutchinson’s workload. If the Lions add Howell, the goal would be simple: create a true edge duo where Hutchinson draws double teams while Howell attacks one-on-one matchups on the opposite side.

Do you think Cashius Howell would be the right running mate for Aidan Hutchinson? Share your thoughts and tell us if Detroit should target him in the draft.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Joyita Das