One fan-favorite Detroit Lions player remains unsigned, and there are a few hints suggesting he could return to the team.
The Detroit Lions are riding high after the NFL Draft and are progressing through their offseason workouts. On Wednesday, April 30, the team shared several photos from the workouts on social media, featuring everyone from Jared Goff to Kerby Joseph running drills and lifting weights.
Still, one notable free agent remains on the market—someone many Lions fans are eager to see back in the mix. He could be the most impactful addition the team could make at this point.
Lions fans quickly embraced defensive lineman Za’Darius Smith when he joined during the 2024 season, following a wave of injuries on the defense. Smith made an immediate impact, tallying four sacks, three tackles for loss, and 10 quarterback hits in just eight games.
Currently a free agent, Smith hasn’t seen much public movement from Lions GM Brad Holmes toward a reunion. Still, several developments suggest a return could be possible if circumstances line up.
For instance, after the 2025 draft, the Lions signed Syracuse wide receiver Jackson Meeks as an undrafted free agent. Meeks happens to be Smith’s nephew, adding a potential family tie to the team.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked Meeks No. 48 among wideouts in his 2025 scouting guide, The Beast. He noted, “A three-star recruit, Meeks had SEC aspirations and committed to Georgia shortly after receiving an offer in his senior year.”
Brugler continued, “After three years and two national titles as a backup, Meeks transferred and reunited with former Georgia assistant Fran Brown, now Syracuse head coach. With transfer QB Kyle McCord, Meeks topped 1,000 receiving yards in 2024.”
So, with Smith’s nephew now a Lion, the connection grows. Plus, Smith has spent time in Detroit during the offseason and is dating Detroit hip-hop artist Kash Doll. The two were recently seen at a Pistons game, sparking more talk about Smith re-signing.
In an April 29 article for Detroit Jock City, Cem Yolbulan wrote that a Smith reunion “became more likely after the draft.” That’s because the Lions still have a clear need for an edge rusher.
“Though everyone agrees Detroit badly needs help at EDGE, the Lions haven’t filled that gap,” Yolbulan wrote. “Free agent options were limited, and elite pass rushers often require overpaying. That’s why many expected Detroit to use a top draft pick on one.”
Smith is still among the best free agents on the market, so if the Lions want him back, they should act quickly. Brad Holmes may need to initiate talks rather than waiting for Smith’s camp to reach out.
