The Detroit Lions’ trade deadline acquisition of veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith not only addressed the void caused by Aidan Hutchinson’s injury but also provided a potential complement to their young star edge rusher for the 2025 season.
Smith has been a solid contributor through his first five games with the team, recording three sacks in that span. Additionally, the veteran seems to have at least one more productive year to offer the Lions next season.
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However, the long-term outlook remains uncertain since Smith is now 32. With that in mind, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder suggests the Lions could pursue New Orleans Saints edge rusher Chase Young in free agency next offseason.
“While Za’Darius Smith is under contract for next season, it’s the final year of his deal,” Holder explained. “Moreover, Smith turns 33 in September, so adding another young pass rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson wouldn’t be a bad idea.
“Young will turn 26 this spring, and while he hasn’t drawn much attention playing on a struggling Saints team, Pro Football Focus credits him with 53 total pressures through Week 14, ranking seventh among edge rushers,” Holder added. “Detroit is also projected to have over $63 million in cap space this offseason, per Over The Cap, allowing room to invest in an additional pass rusher.”
On a one-year, $13 million deal, Young has posted an impressive season with 5.5 sacks and 53 pressures across 14 games. He would provide Detroit with greater depth for 2025 and serve as a long-term running mate for Hutchinson, given Young turns just 26 in April.
As Holder highlights, the Lions’ projected $63 million in cap space gives them the flexibility to sign Young. However, concerns persist regarding Young’s past effort issues, making a multi-year commitment risky.
Given those concerns, the Lions may ultimately avoid him altogether, as such issues clash with the strong culture Detroit has carefully established over the years.
