Detroit Lions fans weren’t pleased with general manager Brad Holmes after the team parted ways with veteran defensive end Za’Darius Smith before the start of NFL free agency. Smith was acquired hours before the NFL trade deadline from the Cleveland Browns, as the Lions desperately needed pass-rushing help.
The veteran defender played well in his short time with the Lions and endeared himself to the Detroit fanbase. Since being released by the Lions, Smith hasn’t been linked to any potential deals or free agent visits.
However, the veteran pass rusher was recently spotted at a Pistons game and then commented on a tweet about the highest % of pass rushers with a pressure over the last three seasons. Clearly, Smith might want to come back for a reunion.
Holmes was asked about Smith on Thursday as he spoke with the media ahead of next week’s NFL draft. The Lions general manager put the onus on Smith and his camp about any potential deal.
According to Pride of Detroit, Holmes said that the team hasn’t had any additional convos with the veteran since the annual league meetings. Holmes also mentioned that they left things in Smith’s agent’s hands.
Holmes says they haven't had any additional conversations with Za'Darius Smith since the annual league meetings.
— Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) April 17, 2025
Says they left things in Smith's agent's hands.
Asked about Za'Darius Smith. Brad Holmes says the agent will at this point give the Lions the next update
— DetroitSportsPodcast (@DetroitPodcast) April 17, 2025
Detroit looks open to bringing Smith back, but they are making it clear that his agent holds the cards on what happens next.
If you are Smith, this might be your best chance to land with a contender, as other pass-rushing teams that could be contenders, like the San Francisco 49ers, aren’t knocking on his door.
And if you are the Lions, could you imagine Smith playing opposite a healthy Aidan Hutchinson? It would make a huge difference on that defense and in a division with explosive offenses. As of right now, the projected starter opposite Hutchinson is Marcus Davenport.
Davenport has struggled to stay healthy over the last couple of years, including last season in Detroit, where he played two games. Meanwhile, Smith recorded 15 quarterback pressures, 12 combined tackles, 10 QB hits, and four sacks in eight games.
Lions fans hope the two sides can figure something out because this team is too talented not to be in the conversation for a Super Bowl trip.