Lions UDFA is starting to make Za'Darius Smith look like an unnecessary signing

While the Detroit Lions' second and thir string defense hasn't looked totally dominant this preseason, there have been a few shining moments from three potential additions to the 53-man roster ahead of the 2025 season kicking off.

Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, linebacker Grant Stuard, and rookie UDFA Nate Lynn have all taken their opportunities to step up in the preseason very seriously. Stuard has been a tackling machine, Ya-Sin has proven to be a perfect backup to D.J. Reed, and Lynn has been a leader in the pass rush for the Lions as a second year free agent looking to find a permanent home.

For Lynn, this moment is suddenly looking like the perfect solution for the Lions' front office if they're unable to reach a deal with another free agent they've been flirting with re-signing this offseason: Za'Darius Smith.

Lions might have solution to no Za'Darius Smith right in front of them

Lynn leads the team with seven pressures in two preseason games so far, and had a sack in his most recent game against the Atlanta Falcons. Lynn was also the highest rated Lions played in their Falcons game per PFF, earning a grade of 87.2 overall.

While Lynn has been putting up these numbers, the Lions are also witnessing some excellent signs of another year of dominance from Aidan Hutchinson in the pass rush. Marcus Davenport, another veteran defender, has also been earning praise in training camp.

Clearly, the Lions have a lot of options at the pass rush that include Lynn, rookie Ahmed Hassanein, and veteran Al-Quadin Muhammad. That might be why the team hasn't been very anxious to re-sign Smith this offseason. While he looked incredible for them last season after they traded for him from the Cleveland Browns, they have options in-house that don't add to their cap hit.

If the Lions do ultimately decide to bring back Smith, it doesn't automatically jeopardize Lynn's ability to make the roster. It would likely create a positional battle between Muhammad and Lynn, which would truly just sharpen each other's game throughout the preseason. While Muhammad has the experience edge, Lynn has clearly been on an upward trajectory in camp and preseason.

Detroit has a good problem on their hands thanks to the eagle eyed scouting of the front office and general manager Brad Holmes. Lynn seems like the perfect "Dan Campbell guy" to add to the already formidable defensive line that the Lions carry.