Lions Named As Potential Landing Spot for Defensive Star With Previous Ties to Detroit

With training camps opening in less than a week, the Detroit Lions face a glaring need on their defensive line. Aidan Hutchinson is on track to return to form after his injury, but he needs a reliable partner rushing from the opposite edge. The answer to Detroit’s pass rush problem might already be familiar with the system and eager to return.

Why Haven’t the Lions Re-Signed Za’Darius Smith Yet?

Za’Darius Smith spent eight games with Detroit in 2024-25, recording four sacks after the Lions acquired him in a midseason trade with the Cleveland Browns. He finished the year with nine total sacks, proving he still has plenty left in the tank at 32 years old.

The Lions released Smith during the offseason as a cap casualty, but the veteran pass rusher has expressed a strong interest in returning to Detroit. The three-time Pro Bowler and former second-team All-Pro remains unsigned, making him an obvious target for a Lions team that needs pass rush help.

Smith’s effectiveness as a situational pass rusher makes him particularly valuable on obvious passing downs. His 19.1% pass rush win rate ranked him 12th among qualified edge rushers in 2024-25, showing he can still create pressure when it matters most.

While Smith isn’t an every-down player at this stage of his career, he maximizes his opportunities on the field. During his short stint with Detroit, he generated 40 pressures and brought veteran leadership to a young defensive unit.

What Makes Smith Worth Another Look?

The financial aspect shouldn’t be a roadblock for Detroit. Smith’s release wasn’t about his $1.5 million base salary but rather the $8.99 million in bonus money that would have been due if he stayed on the roster. However, the Lions currently have around $48 million in cap space, giving them plenty of flexibility to bring back veteran specialists like Smith.

The numbers support Smith’s continued effectiveness. PFF graded him at 74.7, ranking 33rd out of 211 edge rushers. His 63 pressures ranked 10th league-wide, while his pass rush grade of 76.5 placed him 21st overall. He ranked 15th in sacks, adding to his career total of 69 sacks over 140 games.

Smith’s familiarity with Detroit’s system and his ability to create havoc opposite Hutchinson should make this decision straightforward. The Lions learned firsthand during the 2024-25 season how quickly injuries can derail a promising campaign.

Detroit’s defense was decimated by injuries, losing numerous starters and key contributors throughout the year. That depth crisis ultimately contributed to their early playoff exit in the Divisional Round against the Washington Commanders, ending what had been the best regular season in franchise history.

After coming within reach of their first Super Bowl appearance and posting the NFC’s best record in 2024-25, the Lions can’t afford to overlook proven veterans who want to be part of their championship pursuit. Smith represents exactly the type of affordable, experienced talent that can provide stability, whether he’s starting or stepping in when injuries strike again.