Lions Insider Provides an Update on the Team’s Plans to Reintroduce Pro Bowl Edge Rusher Last season, the Detroit Lions were dealt a significant setback when Aidan Hutchinson sustained a season-ending injury.
However, they were able to gain some relief at the trade deadline by acquiring veteran Za’Darius Smith. Given that Hutchinson is anticipated to return for the 2025 season, it is possible that the Lions have plans to reinstate Smith. The Lions, who severed ways with Smith in a cap-cutting move at the start of the offseason, may have plans to re-sign him for the upcoming season, according to an insider.
Za’Darius Smith is being closely monitored by the Lions. In a mailbag summary, Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports stated that the Lions are still in communication with Smith and are awaiting his decision regarding his free agency. “This is the current state of affairs.” Payton wrote, “We are aware that the Lions and Smith have maintained communication since the release.”
“According to [Lions general manager Brad] Holmes, the most recent conversation he had with Smith occurred prior to the league meetings in early April.”Payton stated that Smith is responsible for the situation; however, the seasoned edge rusher has expressed his desire to return to Detroit for the upcoming season.
“H Holmes stated that the Lions had delegated certain matters to Smith’s agent, who would inform Detroit of any developments or modifications prior to the draft,” Payton wrote. Smith expressed his desire to return to Detroit during the BET Awards in early June, as reported by USA Today.
At present, that is our current situation. We shall observe the subsequent two weeks. Smith’s free agency has been relatively uneventful, with no indications of interest from other teams or visits. This could provide the Lions with the opportunity to re-sign him, as they will be opening training camp later this month. Lions require additional assistance in the vicinity of the cliffs.
When Hutchinson sustained an injury in October, he was on the brink of an All-Pro season, having recorded 7.5 sacks in a mere five games. Smith’s injury resulted in a significant void in the team’s edge rushing group; however, he compensated by recording 4.0 sacks. Many Lions insiders are of the opinion that Smith will be reinstated. The Lions are an ideal candidate to acquire the veteran, according to ESPN’s Matt Bowen.
He also noted that they require a consistent counterpart for Hutchinson. Bowen wrote that the Lions only selected one edge rusher in the 2025 draft, Ahmed Hassanein from Boise State, which necessitated the acquisition of a veteran to play opposite Aidan Hutchinson. “Thus, despite Detroit’s decision to release Smith in March, it is sensible to re-sign him to another contract.”
The Lions are currently striving to recover from their disappointing postseason exit last year, in which they were eliminated in their opening game of the divisional round. The Lions were unable to register a sack as novice quarterback Jayden Daniels carved up the Lions defence for 45 points, causing them to struggle against the Washington Commanders.
The team’s pursuit of a third consecutive NFC North title may be significantly impacted by the establishment of a robust pass rush and the identification of a competent companion for Hutchinson, particularly in light of the departure of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to become the head coach of the New York Jets.
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