Detroit Lions Encouraged to Re-Sign Veteran Edge Rusher with 69 Career Sacks

The 2024 NFL season ended in bitter disappointment for Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions. Despite securing the NFC’s No. 1 seed and finishing the regular season as arguably the league’s top team, Detroit suffered a shocking early playoff exit at the hands of the Washington Commanders. That loss has fueled a determined offseason for the Lions, who are focused on redemption in 2025.

Although the current roster remains strong and playoff-caliber, there’s still an opportunity to bolster certain positions—most notably, the pass rush. One name that continues to surface as a prime target for Detroit is a familiar one: veteran outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith, who has tallied 69 sacks over his career.

Smith was originally acquired midseason in 2024 from the Cleveland Browns and made an immediate impact in Detroit, racking up four sacks, 12 tackles, and one pass defended in just eight appearances. However, he was released in March due to cap concerns.

NFL analyst Wendell Ferreira of A to Z Sports recently advocated for Smith’s return, emphasizing that Detroit could land him on a team-friendly deal. Ferreira noted that current starter Marcus Davenport—penciled in opposite star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson—may not provide the production expected from a contender.

Ferreira stated, “Davenport lining up across from Hutchinson isn’t ideal for a Super Bowl-hopeful squad. Smith is still a free agent, and his availability indicates he could be signed at a reduced rate. Reuniting him with Hutchinson would boost Detroit’s edge rotation and add veteran leadership.”

Bringing Smith back could give the Lions a deeper and more dangerous defensive front, especially as they aim to make another run at the Lombardi Trophy in 2025.

Would you like a quick comparison of Smith’s stats versus other available free-agent edge rushers?