With training camp beginning across the NFL this week, the pressure is on for several former Detroit Lions players to find a new team to join for the 2025 season.
Now, that doesn’t mean time is running out, as guys can get signed during training camp or in the preseason. However, the longer a guy waits to sign, the longer it will take him to get up to speed.
On Wednesday night, we saw some movement in the free-agent defensive end market, as two-time Super Bowl champion Von Miller signed with the Washington Commanders, per Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network.
Eight-time Pro Bowl OLB Von Miller is signing with the #Commanders, sources tell The Insiders.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 17, 2025
Miller has won Super Bowls with the #Broncos and #Rams. Now he’ll try to earn another ring in Washington. pic.twitter.com/TmnbdpDsc6
The Commanders' pursuit of the 36-year-old Miller will likely have an impact on this former Lions defender, who is still waiting to sign a contract for the 2025 season.
Ex-Lions Pass Rusher Za’Darius Smith Loses Out on a New Opportunity for 2025 Season
Former Detroit defensive end Za’Darius Smith, who had a solid 2024 season with the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, hasn’t received much interest in free agency. In fact, Smith has been hinting at possibly coming back to the Motor City multiple times this offseason, but thus far, that hasn’t gone anywhere.
One would think Smith, who is younger than Miller, would’ve gotten signed first, especially when Miller had six sacks last year in Buffalo. Smith had nine sacks combined between two teams last season.
If the Lions aren’t interested in a reunion with Smith right now, that means he will have to find a new team to suit up for. However, with Miller stealing an opportunity with the Commanders, the number of suitors is starting to dwindle for Smith.
Last season with the Lions, the veteran pass rusher gave Detroit a nice boost off the edge after the trade deadline, as they needed someone to step up in place of star Aidan Hutchinson.
Smith answered the call as he racked up 15 quarterback pressures, 10 quarterback hits, four sacks, and three tackles for loss. Even though his tenure was short-lived with Detroit, he made an impact and certainly could help another team looking for pass-rushing help.
According to PFF, Smith had a 76.5 pass rush grade between the two teams (21st among 211 qualified edges), which is outstanding and shows he’s not slowing down.
Entering his 11th season in the league, Smith is one of the more underrated defensive ends in the league. He doesn’t have the fancy pass rushing moves or ridiculous combo of speed and power off the edge, but he still finds his way to the quarterback.
It's only a matter of time before Smith signs either in Detroit or elsewhere, but seeing Miller go off the board first is likely frustrating, given his production in 2025.