Entering the 2025 offseason, one of the top needs for the Detroit Lions was seen as the defensive line, specifically the pass rush. They were consistently rumored to be interested in edge rushers on the trade market, and many assumed that the team would add another high-end option there this spring.
Besides selecting Ahmed Hassanein in the sixth round of the NFL Draft, however, the Lions have largely ignored the need. Considering the fact that they hadn't retained Za'Darius Smith, Lions fans were worried that the team may have gotten worse in the key position.
It turns out that the Lions could still make a splash on that front. GM Brad Holmes appeared on an interview with WXYT-FM on Wednesday and revealed that the team is interested in bringing Smith back. Rainer Sabin of the Detroit Free Press reported that the organization is still keeping in touch with the veteran defender.
GM Brad Holmes Reveals the Lions Are in Talks With Za'Darius Smith
For Lions fans who have been paying attention, this doesn't come as a major surprise. Smith has expressed his desire to return to Detroit all offseason. The Lions' choosing to keep their powder dry was interpreted as an interest on their part to bring back the 32-year-old defensive end. Plus, they had just given up a fifth and sixth-round pick to acquire him at the trade deadline. Letting him walk after eight games when he performed well didn't make too much sense.
At the same time, the Lions were faced with a financial crunch. Detroit made a cost-cutting move by releasing Smith after the season. Holmes didn't deny this reality in his latest remarks, highlighting that "Za'Darius has expectations" and "everything's not just one-sided". Yet, the fact that the team is talking to Smith's agent to work out a deal suggests that they will likely come to an agreement sooner rather than later.
After joining the Lions, the three-time Pro Bowler played 60% of the available defensive snaps, registering four sacks, 10 QB hits, and three tackles for loss. He wasn't able to produce against the Commanders in the playoffs when the entire defensive unit collapsed. But the Lions are desperate and out of options at this point in the offseason. Smith is about to turn 33, but it's difficult to imagine Detroit finding a better option on the EDGE, making this a no-brainer move for the Lions.