Lions Encouraged to Consider Another Ex-Cardinals Defender

Before this offseason’s free agency kicked off, Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes sparked some curiosity when he mentioned reviewing footage of the team’s Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals — all to scout a specific player. That player turned out to be defensive tackle Roy Lopez, who later signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Lions. Lopez is expected to bolster the defensive line, especially with Alim McNeil likely sidelined to start the season.

Now, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report suggests the Lions revisit that same game tape and consider bringing in another former Cardinal — edge rusher Dennis Gardeck. In a recent article outlining potential free-agent fits for each team, Knox identified Gardeck as a possible addition for Detroit.

However, unlike Lopez, Gardeck may not be the best match. While the Lions do need help at their second edge rusher spot, Gardeck doesn’t appear to be a long-term solution. He’s never played more than 50% of snaps in a season and has totaled just 17 sacks over his seven-year career.

If Detroit is aiming to find a true starter to line up opposite Aidan Hutchinson, Gardeck likely isn’t the answer. While he could serve as a depth piece in a rotational role, that might be better addressed through the draft. The Lions are still in the market for help at edge rusher — but Gardeck doesn’t seem to fit the bill.