If the Detroit Lions intend to reunite with veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, hesitation might cost them. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that several playoff-caliber teams have already reached out to Smith, who remains unsigned and is evaluating his options.
Smith, 32, is fresh off an impressive 2024 campaign split between the Cleveland Browns and Lions. He appeared in all 17 games, posting nine sacks, 22 solo tackles, and 10 quarterback hits—numbers that show he’s still a dangerous presence off the edge.
Why Smith Fits in Detroit
Detroit’s defensive pressure is anchored by Aidan Hutchinson, but the supporting cast has been thinned by injuries. Josh Paschal is sidelined long-term, and rookie Ahmed Hassanein is battling a pectoral injury that could hinder his availability this year.
Bringing back Smith would not only help fill that void but also inject veteran leadership and postseason experience into the locker room. A three-time Pro Bowler, Smith has 69 career sacks to his name, including two straight double-digit sack seasons with the Green Bay Packers in 2019 and 2020.
Competition Growing Around the League
The challenge for Detroit is the timing. While Smith is in no hurry to commit, league-wide interest is gaining momentum. According to Fowler, multiple contenders are monitoring the situation, and once one team makes a move, others are likely to follow.
The Lions have both the financial flexibility and the motivation. They view themselves as true Super Bowl threats in 2025, and Smith would give defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard another high-level pass rusher to rotate with Hutchinson—keeping the defense sharp late in games.
Final Takeaway
Detroit already knows what Smith brings to the field, having witnessed it firsthand last season. The real question is whether Brad Holmes and the front office are willing to strike quickly or risk losing him to another contender.
