The Detroit Lions beefed up their roster by completing free agency and the draft, but the opportunity still exists to improve in a major way for 2025.
In spite of positive moves, the Lions could use another pass rusher. Fortunately, there are many options including a name the Lions are familiar with. Za'Darius Smith was released by Detroit earlier this offseason, and is a player that should clearly return.
NFL.com analyst Jeffri Chadiha picked out top free agency team fits for players following the draft, and unsurprisingly, he identified Smith to Detroit as a remaining slam-dunk.
"The Lions can bring Smith back to Detroit to help create the pressure this team has sorely needed. The upside on Smith is that he played solidly last season in an emergency role. He generated 40 pressures in his nine games with the Lions and his pass rush win rate of 21.5 percent was third on the team (after Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport, who also was lost to an injury), per Pro Football Focus."
"Davenport is returning to Detroit on a one-year deal, but there’s nothing that says Smith can’t do the same thing. In fact, the Lions reportedly haven’t completely dismissed that idea. This is a team that saw its Super Bowl dreams crushed by injuries last season. Even though Smith is on the wrong side of 30 (he’s 32), adding more depth on the edge wouldn’t be a bad thing."
A combination of Davenport and Smith would be interesting, especially with a healthy Aidan Hutchinson. With the Lions beefing up cornerback by adding D.J. Reed and drafting defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, it's possible Smith represents a final piece to finish the offseason.
Za'Darius Smith return to Detroit Lions feels more likely as time passes
The Lions have gone quiet since completing the draft, and the reason might be they are reassessing their roster. They're likely to find adding a pass rusher still represents their biggest opportunity to improve.
Right now, there hasn't been much reported interest in Smith, which means other teams could be in the same boat as Detroit in terms of potential negotiations. That gives the Lions an opportunity to swoop in and keep Smith on a new contract.
Smith enjoyed his time with the Lions after being dealt to Detroit at the trade deadline. He posted four sacks with the team, and had to be the leader of the pass rush down the stretch. This year, he could fill in as a depth piece, which could help him be even more productive.
The Lions signed Smith's nephew, intriguing Syracuse wide receiver Jackson Meeks, as an undrafted free agent. Perhaps the allure of playing alongside Meeks will prove strong. Regardless, the longer Smith stays unsigned, the more likely it feels the Lions can strike a deal for his return.
