Week 1 of free agency is officially behind us. While the biggest free agents have already found their new NFL homes, there are still plenty of valuable names available on the market.
The Detroit Lions lost a few key players, including Carlton Davis and Kevin Zeitler, but they still have a chance to bring back some of their remaining free agents. Let's take a look at who is still out there that the Lions should seriously consider bringing back.
1. EDGE Za'Darius Smith
Smith was released by the Lions before free agency kicked off last Monday, clearing his entire $5.7275 million cap hit off their books. Considering the fact that Detroit gave up a fifth and a sixth-round pick to acquire him at the deadline and that he played well down the stretch, the Lions should presumably be interested in bringing him back on a less lucrative deal.
The veteran pass rusher played in eight games in Detroit, appearing in 60% of the team's defensive snaps. He had four sacks, three tackles for loss, and 10 QB hits in that span, receiving a 74.7 defensive grade on Pro Football Focus. He struggled against the Commanders like the rest of the defensive unit but the Lions will be hard-pressed to find a better option than the 32-year-old.
The Lions have yet to find a replacement for Smith. There is still a hole opposite Aidan Hutchinson, and teams can never have enough quality pass rushers. Unless Smith can find a multi-year deal that pays him more per year, the Lions should consider re-signing him.