The Detroit Lions have once again been advised to consider bolstering their defensive front by reuniting with a seasoned pass rusher who’s already familiar with the team’s system. That player is veteran edge defender Za’Darius Smith, a proven talent with 69 career sacks to his name.
Smith, who joined the Lions during the 2024 NFL season via a trade with the Cleveland Browns, has emerged as a top candidate for Detroit to re-sign ahead of the 2025 campaign. NFL analyst Wendell Ferreira of A to Z Sports recently emphasized Smith’s potential value to the team.
According to Ferreira, the current situation on Detroit’s defensive line—where Marcus Davenport is slated to start opposite star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson—leaves room for improvement, especially for a team with championship aspirations. “Davenport isn’t the most reliable option for a team trying to make a serious Super Bowl run,” Ferreira wrote. “Smith, who was released in March for salary cap purposes, remains unsigned, making him an appealing, cost-effective choice.”
During his brief stint with Detroit last season, Smith contributed significantly despite limited appearances. He played in eight games, tallying 12 tackles, four sacks, and even breaking up a pass. His production demonstrated that he can still perform at a high level, particularly when not expected to carry the full workload as the primary edge threat.
Re-signing Smith could be a strategic move for Detroit, especially given the flexibility it offers in terms of cost and rotation. Pairing him with Hutchinson could create a more dynamic and deeper pass-rushing unit. If the contract terms are manageable, bringing Smith back could provide the Lions with not only veteran leadership but also a reliable secondary option to help anchor the defense in their 2025 playoff push.
