Za’Darius Smith, a defensive end, is currently a free agent. However, he is determined to return to the Detroit Lions, the team with which he reached the postseason last season. The Lions released him in March.
Smith stated to USA TODAY Sports, “I am eager to return to Detroit, as the coaching staff and front office personnel are exceptional.” “I experience a sense of leadership and the ability to inspire the younger generation to achieve great things when I am present.” I am optimistic that I will be able to return to my desired position in Detroit.
Smith played for the Cleveland Browns and the Detroit Lions during the 2024 season. He was acquired by the Lions at the NFL trade deadline after sustaining a variety of defensive injuries, including the injury to star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, a 2023 Pro Bowler. Smith concluded the 2024 regular season with a total of 35 combined tackles and nine sacks. Pro Football Focus ranked Smith 21st among edge defenders in pass-rush grade (76.5), 33rd in overall grade (74.7), and 85th in run-defense grade (62.8).
In the event that Smith returns to Detroit, there will be some coaching adjustments. The Lions have lost defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who has been appointed as the head coach of the New York Jets, and have promoted former linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to the position. Additionally, they have implemented numerous coaching modifications, including the appointment of Kacy Rodgers as the defensive line coach.
The 32-year-old Smith, who stated that his primary objective is to “win a championship and obtain a ring,” believes that he and Hutchinson have the potential to form an exceptional team.
“I remain a veteran.” Hutchinson is still a youthful man. There are numerous tasks that I am capable of assisting him with. Smith stated, “He is already exceptional, but as a player, there are certain tools that I am aware of that I can assist him with.” “And there are certain tasks that he can assist me with as a young man.”
Smith was a three-time Pro Bowler who spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens (2015-18). He then spent a three-year stint with the Green Bay Packers (2019-21), one season with the Minnesota Vikings (2022), and a season-plus with the Browns before being acquired by the Lions during the 2024 season.
Additionally, Detroit extended the contracts of defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike, defensive end Marcus Davenport, and linebacker Ezekiel Turner for one year each. The team also acquired defensive tackle Roy Lopez and selected Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams with the 28th overall decision in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Lions achieved a 15-2 record and secured the No. 1 berth in the NFC last season. However, they were defeated by the Washington Commanders in the NFC divisional round. Detroit’s defense allowed 244.0 passing yards (30th in the NFL), 98.4 rushing yards (fifth), 342.4 total yards (20th), and 20.1 points (seventh) per game.
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