Now that a certain couple has made headlines with their engagement, the Detroit Lions and Za'Darius Smith may be the biggest "will-they-won't-they" storyline remaining this offseason. There has been buzz about a reunion since the day Smith hit free agency, with a fit seemingly making sense for both sides. But the Lions still haven't acted on it, and the latest comments from GM Brad Holmes just sent a crystal-clear message that the Lions don't care about whether Smith comes back or not.
Holmes revealed this week that the Lions are not in active talks with Smith. And some of the quotes really reinforce the point. He admitted that the Lions haven't "recently" spoken with Smith and his agents about a reunion. He made it clear the Lions' open roster spot is "not for a specific player," and, when asked specifically about Smith, he gave the most non-answer possible, leading with "Anything’s a possibility. At any point, I don’t know what’s going to happen."
Lions Won't Lose Sleep if Za'Darius Smith Signs Elsewhere
The message that underpins this whole thing is that the Lions simply don't care if Smith comes back or not. Considering teams are now finalizing their 53-man rosters and needs for starters are becoming increasingly clear, this is a time when Smith could find himself a new home. The Lions not even staying in touch with Smith's agents during this period leaves him with little reason not to take another opportunity if it comes up.
And you certainly couldn't blame him for it. He's still just 32 years old and plays one of the most valuable positions on the football field. If the Lions are going to keep stringing him along, it may well be better for his career to find a team that is willing to commit to him.
A 9.0-sack campaign in 2024 while moving to Detroit from the Cleveland Browns was a bounce-back from Smith's down year in 2023 (5.5 sacks), but there are apparent questions about his approach and off-field attitude. Going through five teams in your first 10 years in the league, despite being a multi-time Pro Bowler on the EDGE, doesn't tend to happen by accident.
Aiden Hutchinson's return makes the Lions a lot less desperate for pass-rushing help than they were last year. Adding to that, Marcus Davenport should be healthy again, and Tyleik Williams is set to help this defense get a little more pressure on the interior. All of this has Detroit comfortable keeping Smith as a "break glass in case of emergency" kind of option.
And if Smith wants to go elsewhere? Holmes doesn't seem to care.