A former Detroit Lions star, who might return to the team in 2025, has made his relationship with a well-known Detroit rapper Instagram official.

The Lions could soon have their own celebrity couple, proving that Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce and pop superstar Taylor Swift aren’t the only ones making headlines.

Za’Darius Smith, a former Lions player and current free agent, is reportedly in a relationship with Detroit rapper and actress Kash Doll. Their romance became public earlier this month when videos surfaced via The Shade Room showing them together in Ghana. One clip captures them enjoying an event, while another shows Smith placing his hand on Kash Doll’s shoulder in a club setting.

Now, both have taken to Instagram Stories to share pictures of each other. The images, which quickly circulated online, show them walking together, including one where they hold hands in what appears to be a high-end hotel hallway.

“Kash Doll is a Detroit-born rapper and actress who has significantly impacted the music industry over the last decade,” her official website states. “Known for her confident delivery and unapologetic style, she first rose to prominence with hits like ‘For Everybody’ and ‘Ice Me Out.’”

It certainly seems like Smith and Kash Doll are an item, which could add an interesting twist if Smith were to return to Detroit. If the Lions decide to make an offer, this new romance might be an added incentive for him to stay.

Detroit released Smith in the offseason, freeing up $5.7 million in cap space, a move many NFL experts found surprising. The team had traded a fifth and sixth-round pick for him at the deadline, making his departure even more unexpected.

Statistically, Smith was solid for the Lions, recording four sacks, 10 QB hits, and three tackles for loss in just eight games during the 2024 season. He also earned a 74.7 defensive grade on Pro Football Focus and is a three-time Pro Bowler, proving his value on the field.

Despite being a top free agent, Smith has yet to sign with a team. However, given his talent, it’s unlikely he will remain unsigned for long.

There’s speculation that he might return to the Lions, and Kash Doll would likely welcome that move. In a March 23 article for SideLion Report, Brad Berreman pointed out, “Smith remains available as the third week of free agency approaches, so it’s been easy to wonder about the possibility he could come back to the Lions.

It would tilt toward unlikely if the reason for his release was rooted in being asked to take a pay cut. But if he’s not finding what he expected on the open market, the door to come back is theoretically open.”