The Detroit Lions’ offseason has been a rollercoaster for fans eagerly awaiting a solution at the edge rusher position to complement star Aidan Hutchinson.
While the team’s moves so far have left many underwhelmed, a glimmer of hope remains that a trusted veteran could still join the roster—and it might be a familiar face.
The Lions’ decision to part ways with Za’Darius Smith earlier this offseason was a bitter pill for fans to swallow. Smith, who joined the team midseason in 2024, quickly proved his worth as a reliable counterpart to Hutchinson. However, general manager Brad Holmes recently hinted that the door may not be fully closed on a reunion.
While speaking to the media, Holmes revealed that the team has maintained contact with Smith’s agent, sparking speculation about a potential return.
“We would have loved to been able to keep him. We just weren’t able to. But we’ve been keeping in touch with his agent and he understands that process. We’ll just see how it goes,” Holmes said via The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy.
He also admitted that financial constraints were the primary reason for letting Smith go, stating that the team “couldn’t afford to keep him” at the time.
That was then, and this is now. Three weeks into free agency, Smith remains unsigned, and the Lions’ financial situation looks promising.
According to Over The Cap, Detroit currently boasts $42.9 million in available cap space. With most of their pressing roster needs already addressed, the Lions have the flexibility to allocate a significant portion of that money toward securing a veteran edge rusher. And few options make as much sense as bringing back Smith.
During his brief tenure with the Lions in 2024, Smith showcased his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. In just eight games, he recorded four sacks—good for second on the team—and ranked 10th among all edge rushers league-wide with 63 total pressures, per Pro Football Focus. His performance underscored what the Lions have been missing since his departure: a dependable second option opposite Hutchinson.
Without Smith, the team’s depth at the position remains a glaring question mark.
Smith, now 32, is widely regarded as the top edge rusher still available in free agency. His most recent contract, signed with the Cleveland Browns before his trade to Detroit, averaged $11.5 million per year. If the Lions could negotiate a deal in that range for the 2025 season, it would be a no-brainer move. The cap space is there, the need is evident, and Smith’s familiarity with the team’s system adds to the appeal.
The prospect of reuniting Smith and Hutchinson—the two best edge rushers on Detroit’s roster last season—could elevate the Lions’ defense to new heights in 2025. While Holmes’ comments suggest cautious optimism rather than a firm commitment, the ongoing dialogue with Smith’s agent offers a lifeline for a fanbase desperate for good news.
If the Lions can get a deal across the finish line, it might just turn an underwhelming offseason into a triumphant one. For now, all eyes are on Detroit to see if they can make it happen.
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