The Detroit Lions have been flirting with a possible reunion with star pass rusher Za'Darius Smith all offseason. It appeared that both sides were open to the idea, but the latest report reveals that Detroit seems to be content if Smith signs elsewhere.
When asked about Smith, general manager Brad Holmes made it look like nothing is imminent, and they haven't spoken recently.
"Anything’s a possibility. At any point, I don’t know what’s going to happen. But the one open roster spot is not for a specific player. It’s for the player that makes the most sense for us, whoever that might be," Holmes said.
These comments make it obvious that there's no guarantee he'll be back in the Motor City, which is why the Lions should look to sign free agent Preston Smith.
Lions Should Go After Free Agent LB Preston Smith
Smith is going into his 11th year in the NFL, but could provide this team with a veteran, rotational piece upfront. In 163 career games, he has compiled 443 total tackles, 74 tackles for lost yardage, 157 quarterback hits, and 70.5 sacks. He also has six seasons with at least eight sacks under his belt.
Smith has played with the Washington Commanders, Green Bay Packers, and Pittsburgh Steelers, so he knows what it takes to play playoff football. He has suited up in eight playoff games (7 starts) in his career, and the Lions should add another player with postseason experience to the club.
Last season, he managed to record 32 total tackles and 4.5 sacks. Adding the Mississippi State product would only cost a one-year deal that wouldn't break the bank.
Considering that rookie defensive linemen Ahmed Hassanein is dealing with a pec injury and Josh Paschal is on the reserve/non-football injury list, the Lions need another body up there.
Aidan Hutchinson is coming off a leg injury, but he has looked like his old, dominating self this summer. Snagging a vet who can chew up reps across from him is huge and would make this defensive unit a tad bit better.
The fact that the Lions have been open to adding more at EDGE shows they want more for that group. And the 2015 second-round pick would be a solid addition at this portion of the offseason.