One of the more surprising developments of the Detroit Lions' offseason was the fact that they didn't add to their pass rush rotation. Trying to find a high-level pass rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson, especially as he recovers from his injury, was a major talking point throughout the offseason, but the Lions have yet to make a move on that end.
Not only have the Lions not made a move to address their needs, but they also lost Za'Darius Smith and only replaced him in the sixth round of the draft with Ahmed Hassanein. Surprisingly enough, Smith is still available in free agency and has made it rather clear that he wants to return to Detroit.
Kory Woods of MLive reported on Smith's latest remarks during his interview with USA Today. Similarly to what he has done all offseason, the veteran pass rusher publicly voiced his desire to play for the Lions next season.
Za'Darius Smith Announces His Desire to Return to Detroit
STORY: “Hopefully, I can get back to Detroit because the coaching staff and everybody in the front office are great."
— Kory Woods, MSW (@KoryEWoods) June 10, 2025
Is Za'Darius Smith heading toward a reunion with the #Lions? If he has his way, he will be. https://t.co/aNc3utQmhI
Smith was released by the Lions in March, only a few months after being acquired at the trade deadline in exchange for a fifth and a sixth-round pick. The 32-year-old was solid in his brief stint in Detroit, registering four sacks, 10 QB hits, and three tackles for loss in seven starts. The Lions' financial crunch, however, prevented them from retaining the key contributor.
The door on a reunion, however, isn't closed. Both sides have admitted that they have been in touch and a return would be possible on a more team-friendly deal.
"We both know where I want to be. Hopefully, I can get back to Detroit because the coaching staff and everybody in the front office are great. When I’m there, I feel like a leader and like I can influence the young guys and do great things. Hopefully, I can get back to where I want to be in Detroit."Za'Darius Smith
Smith is one of the few difference makers left on the market. Especially in a position like the pass rush, it's hard to find impact players this late into the offseason. Considering how badly Smith wants to be in Detroit, it would be wise for the Lions to bring him back as a depth piece.