A fan-favorite Detroit Lions defender is still available in free agency, and signs point to a potential reunion with the team.

The Detroit Lions were dealt a serious setback last year when Aidan Hutchinson suffered a season-ending injury. However, they managed to bring in some needed help at the trade deadline by acquiring veteran Za’Darius Smith.

Now with Hutchinson expected to return for the 2025 season, the Lions may also be eyeing a reunion with Smith. The team let him go earlier this offseason in a cap-related move, but an insider report suggests they may try to bring him back soon.

Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports shared in a recent mailbag that the Lions are still communicating with Smith and are monitoring his status as free agency continues.

“Here’s the situation right now. The Lions and Smith have kept the lines of communication open since his release,” Payton explained. “The most recent conversation between GM Brad Holmes and Smith reportedly happened before league meetings in early April.”

Payton added that the next steps are up to Smith, who has publicly stated his desire to return to Detroit for the upcoming season.

“Before the draft, Holmes made it clear that the team had left things in the hands of Smith’s agent and were waiting for any updates,” Payton said. “At the BET Awards in June, Smith told USA Today that he hopes to rejoin the Lions. That’s where things currently stand. We’ll see what develops in the next couple weeks.”

Smith’s free agency has been quiet so far, with little to no buzz around visits or interest from other teams. The Lions begin training camp later this month, which could give them a window to bring him back.

Before going down in October, Hutchinson was on track for All-Pro honors, amassing 7.5 sacks in just five appearances. His injury left a big hole in the Lions’ pass rush, but Smith helped fill the void with 4.0 sacks of his own.

There’s growing belief that Detroit will re-sign Smith. ESPN’s Matt Bowen named the Lions as the best landing spot, citing the team’s continued need for a reliable edge defender across from Hutchinson.

“Detroit selected just one edge rusher in the 2025 draft—Ahmed Hassanein from Boise State—so the need for a veteran on the opposite side remains,” Bowen wrote. “Even though they cut ties with Smith in March, a new deal would make perfect sense.”

After last year’s disappointing postseason showing, the Lions are eager to bounce back. They were eliminated in the divisional round after struggling against the Commanders and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, failing to sack him as he torched the defense for 45 points.

Strengthening the pass rush and adding a proven partner alongside Hutchinson could be critical in Detroit’s push for a third consecutive NFC North crown—especially after former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn departed to coach the New York Jets.