The Detroit Lions have seen a ton of turnover on the roster and coaching staff this offseason. Their two biggest losses were arguably Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn.
While those were big departures, the Lions also decided to part ways with a couple of players this offseason as well. Za'Darius Smith is someone who was cut by Detroit. That move saved the Lions $5.7 million in cap space.
GM Brad Holmes said the team parted ways with Smith for financial reasons, which is a bit surprising considering the Lions have $42.3 million in cap space.
Despite getting cut, Smith has made it known he would be open to re-signing with the Motor City but everything is up in the air right now.
Even though he was released in March, Smith is still in the area. On Friday, he and his girlfriend Kash Doll were seen courtside at the Pistons vs. Bucks game.
Ex-Lions defensive end Za'Darius Smith and native Detroit rapper Kash Doll at in attendance at LCA for tonight's #Pistons game. pic.twitter.com/OpWOxqhmKr
— Kory Woods (@KoryEWoods) April 12, 2025
Za’Darius Smith Courtside at Pistons Game
Kash Doll is a Detroit native so it makes sense why they are still in the area but this adds fuel to the fire for Lions fans.
While Aidan Hutchinson's rehab is going well, the Lions could use another veteran option across from him.
Last season, the Lions shipped a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick. In eight games with Detroit, he had 12 total tackles, three TFLs, 10 QB hits, and four sacks. According to PFF, he posted a 74.7 overall grade (33rd among 211 graded EDGE) and 76.5 pass-rush grade (21st among 211 graded EDGE).
He can still generate pressure up front and that is valuable in today's NFL. Whether or not the Lions believe he's an asset to the team remains to be seen but it's clear he still likes the city of Detroit and would be open to playing for the Lions in 2025.