A former Lions edge rusher remains unsigned in free agency after a two-time Super Bowl winner landed a new deal on Wednesday.
As NFL training camps get underway this week, the clock is ticking for multiple ex-Detroit Lions players still looking for a team for the 2025 campaign.
That doesn’t mean all hope is lost, as players often get picked up during camp or preseason. But the longer it takes, the harder it gets to catch up on the playbook.
On Wednesday night, the defensive end market shifted when two-time Super Bowl champion Von Miller inked a deal with the Washington Commanders, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Washington choosing the 36-year-old Miller could negatively affect this former Lions defender, who’s still awaiting a contract for the upcoming season.
Veteran edge Za’Darius Smith, who impressed with the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions last season, has struggled to draw interest so far in free agency. He’s hinted at a return to Detroit several times this offseason, but nothing has materialized yet.
Considering Smith is younger than Miller and posted stronger stats last year, it’s surprising he hasn’t found a new home first. While Miller had six sacks in Buffalo, Smith totaled nine between two teams.
If Detroit has closed the door on a reunion, Smith will need to look elsewhere. But with Miller scooping up a roster spot in D.C., Smith’s available landing spots are slowly shrinking.
Smith brought instant energy to Detroit’s defensive front last season after the trade deadline, stepping in when Aidan Hutchinson was injured and providing much-needed help off the edge.
He tallied 15 quarterback pressures, 10 hits, four sacks, and three tackles for loss in a short stint, proving he still has plenty left in the tank.
Pro Football Focus gave him a 76.5 pass-rush grade across both teams, ranking him 21st out of 211 edge rushers — proof that he remains highly effective.
Now heading into his 11th NFL season, Smith is still one of the more overlooked defensive ends around. He may not be flashy, but he consistently gets after the quarterback.
He’ll find a roster spot eventually — possibly back in Detroit — but it’s understandable if watching Miller sign first stings, especially given Smith’s 2024 output.
