Detroit Lions 2026 training camp preview: 4 big questions at EDGE

In this installment of our Detroit Lions 2026 training camp preview series, we continue our exploration of the defensive trenches by examining the Lions’ edge rushers, speculating on current and future roles, and discussing how many players from this group could make the 53-man roster.

Previous training camp previews:

• Quarterback: Can Luke Altmyer force a QB3 role?
• Running back: How RB roles could shift in 2026
• Wide receiver: WR depth roles up for grabs
• Tight end: How many TEs will make the roster?
• Offensive tackle: Can Blake Miller win the starting RT job?
• Interior OL: How quickly will Cade Mays adapt to scheme?
• Defensive tackles: DT has upgraded starters, questionable depth

Roster construction

Under the Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell regime, the Lions have kept at least five pure edge rushers on the roster, but have consistently needed to tweak numbers as they’ve dealt with injuries.

Let’s take a look at what they’ve done at edge rusher in the previous five seasons:

• 2021: Opened the season with five and ended with six.
• 2022: Repeated the process of starting with five and ending with six.
• 2023: Opened and closed the season with seven edge rushers, as they looked for a dedicated pass-rushing linebacker option.
• 2024: Opened and closed with five on the roster, despite working through a plethora of injuries.
• 2025: Opened with six, but quickly reduced to five; kept five active on game days for the first half of the season, but reduced to four on game days soon after the bye week.

Altering their approach on the edge

Impactful pass rushers can be difficult to find in the NFL, but the Lions have been incredibly fortunate to have All-Pro Aidan Hutchinson locking down one side of their defensive line. Because Hutchinson almost never leaves the field, the Lions can focus solely on deploying their remaining pass rushers on the opposite edge, as well as using them in creative situations, like kicking them inside, stacking them, and introducing a pass-rushing linebacker role.

Unfortunately, the Lions have struggled to find a reliable solution opposite Hutchinson. For the last several seasons, the Lions have preferred their edge rushers to have a balanced run-stop/pass-rush skill set, and most starters checked in at over 265-280 pounds, as Detroit prioritized size to set a firm edge.

Last season, the Lions rostered five edge rushers to fight for time opposite Hutchinson, but due to injuries, lack of production, or opportunities elsewhere, none of them remain in Detroit for 2026. Starter Marcus Davenport failed to stay healthy, was not re-signed, and is still a free agent. Josh Paschal stayed on NFI the entire 2025 season and was eventually released. Tyrus Wheat returned to Dallas (the team that drafted him) after minimal opportunities, and Pat O’Connor retired this offseason.

Al-Quadin Muhammad was by far the most productive pass rusher to play opposite Hutchinson, registering 11 sacks in 2025, but the Lions mainly deployed him...