NFL veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith has sparked major buzz among Detroit Lions fans after publicly expressing interest in returning to the team. His comments came during an interview on the red carpet at the 2025 BET Awards, where Smith confidently said he would welcome a reunion with the Lions, citing the team’s culture, coaching staff, and front office as reasons he feels at home in Detroit.
“We both know where I want to be,” Smith said. “Hopefully I can get back to Detroit because the coaching staff and everybody in the front office are great. I feel like a leader there.”
Smith, 32, joined the Lions in 2024 and was a key contributor to their defensive line. Though his stint was short, he quickly became a respected voice in the locker room and added veteran leadership to one of the NFL’s most improved defenses. In 2024, he recorded 5.5 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, and helped anchor a unit that made a deep playoff run.
Currently a free agent, Smith has been taking his time this offseason to evaluate his next move. However, his public admiration for Detroit has reignited discussions among fans and analysts about the Lions’ defensive outlook for the upcoming season. Detroit is believed to have interest in bringing him back, especially given the leadership void left by other offseason departures.
Sources close to the situation say the Lions have kept in touch with Smith’s camp and are open to working out a deal. A one-year contract in the range of $5 to $7 million has been floated, possibly with incentives tied to sack totals or games played.
The Lions are in win-now mode, and bringing back a proven veteran like Smith would align with their goal of making another strong postseason push. His familiarity with the system and chemistry with key players like Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill would be valuable.
While no deal is imminent as of mid-June, Smith’s words at the BET Awards make it clear: he wants to be in Detroit. If the front office can align the numbers and roster space, Lions fans may soon see No. 99 back in Honolulu blue.
