Nov 3, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell looks on between first and second quarters against the Green Bay Packersat Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images / Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The Detroit Lions’ record has been nearly flawless over the first 13 games of the year, as they check in at 12-1 entering Week 15. Though that mark is nearly perfect, Detroit still hasn’t had things easy. Dan Campbell’s squad has gone through a gauntlet of a schedule after winning the division last season, making this year’s performance that much more impressive.
Their performance is especially notable considering the obstacles they’ve faced. The injury bug has attempted to derail a potential championship season, as the Lions have seen a number of players miss time, including star Aidan Hutchinson who may or may not return for the playoffs.
These health issues have tested Detroit’s depth, which becomes that much more important down the stretch and into the postseason, since one surprise loss could create a major weakness. However, with Campbell’s team currently ailing on the defensive line, there is one player who could immediately help take some of the burden.
The #Patriots have released veteran DT Mike Purcell, the team announced.
Purcell played well this summer and was making a case for himself to make the initial roster. Kind of a surprise. https://t.co/HzjJMTttmc
— Andrew Guindon (@NestPgs) August 21, 2024
In a new article, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder advised the Lions’ best move to make right now would be signing veteran defensive tackle Mike Purcell. Holder points to the recent injuries to D.J. Reader and Alim McNeil being a clear reason to bring in “another big-bodied option on the interior,” especially with the postseason quickly approaching.
Purcell isn’t exactly a splash addition, but there’s reason for Detroit to at least considering a signing. The 33-year-old is an established NFL talent, recording 45 starts and 90 appearances overall since entering the league in 2014. His role has varied across several stops with different teams, from practice squad member to primary starter, so he’s shown he’s willing to help in any way imaginable.
Even though he’s been on the market since being cut by the New England Patriots this preseason, Purcell has shown a late-career spark. In 2022, Purcell posted a career-high 1.5 sacks and four quarterback hits, plus the second-most tackles (45) in any campaign. He then followed that up five QB hits in 2023 (but zero sacks) and even made an impact in pass coverage with three breakups, which were also a clear career high.
At 6-foot-3 and almost 330 pounds, Purcell is an obvious gap-filler who could help the Lions’ D-line if any more health troubles pop up. And even if he’s not required to actually suit up, having a capable depth option with plenty of starting experience on standby is absolutely worth it for a Detroit defense that’s suffered big losses throughout this season.
