Following roster cuts, the Detroit Lions' edge rusher depth is slim. Despite signing Tyler Lacy and Tyrus Wheat, Detroit only has five healthy edge rushers. On top of that, the Lions have an open roster spot that could easily be used for another pass rusher. As a result, many fans still believe they are going to bring back Za'Darius Smith.
However, on Thursday morning, general manager Brad Holmes spoke about the open roster spot and the potential of bringing back Smith. According to Kory Woods of MLive, Holmes said, "You guys know me. Anything is possible. But the spot is not just for that player (referring to Smith) as it allows them flexibility heading into the season."
#Lions Brad Holmes on the open roster spot and Za'Darius Smith coming back: "You guys know me. Anything is possible."
— Kory Woods (@KoryEWoods) August 28, 2025
Says the open spot is not just about "that player." The open spot affords them some flexibility heading into the new year.
He added that the Lions are not currently in contract talks with Smith. This revelation is not at all what Lions fans want to hear.
Brad Holmes Making a Mistake by Not Talking to Za'Darius Smith
Brad Holmes says there are currently no active talks with Za'Darius Smith.
— Kory Woods (@KoryEWoods) August 28, 2025
Outside of Aidan Hutchinson, fans are worried about how the Lions' pass rush will perform in 2025. While Marcus Davenport had a great training camp, the concern is that he will sustain an injury like he did last year. If that happens, Detroit will be left with Al-Quadin Muhammad, Lacy, and Wheat on the other side of Hutchinson until Josh Paschal returns.
That's not a situation Lions fans want to find themselves in, which is why they've been pushing to re-sign Smith. The veteran edge rusher has even gone on record saying he wants to return to Detroit. So, it's reasonable for fans to be upset that the move has yet to happen.
Last year, in eight games with Detroit, the 32-year-old recorded 12 tackles, four sacks, three tackles for loss and one forced fumble. Clearly, Smith showed he is still able to impact that game. This is why Lions fans would love for him to come off the bench and provide pass rush for the team in 2025.
Nevertheless, Brad Holmes and the front office don't seem to be too eager to bring Smith back. Even so, Lions fans are going to keep begging for Smith to return. It will be interesting to see if the Lions front office caves and signs that veteran pass rusher at some point during the season.