The Detroit Lions have plenty of questions coming into the 2025 season. They return most of a roster that has been a contender in the NFC the past two seasons but they still have some things to answer including what will happen with their pass-rushing unit. Detroit will get a boost when Aidan Hutchinson returns from injury. But many fans are wondering when the Lions will re-sign Za’Darius Smith.
The 32-year-old was released in the spring and has spent the last couple of months hanging around Detroit. While a deal is not imminent, a huge step may have been taken on Thursday as a surprising release sent a jolt through the edge rusher market.
Jadeveon Clowney’s Release Could Help Za’Darius Smith’s Return to Lions
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Carolina Panthers are releasing edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft was entering the final year of a two-year, $20 million contract with the Panthers but his lone season in Carolina didn’t provide an adequate return, making 46 tackles (nine for loss) and 5.5 sacks.
Clowney’s track record with 58 career sacks instantly makes him one of the top names on the free agent market. It would seem like his presence would reduce Smith’s chances to return to Detroit as a younger pass rusher. But it helps considering other teams that need help with their pass rush will pursue Clowney instead of Smith.
That would be great news for Detroit, who still needs a pass-rushing partner across from Hutchinson. Smith recorded four sacks and 36 quarterback pressures after coming over from the Cleveland Browns last October but the Lions released him due to a $2 million roster bonus that was due in March.
Smith still hasn’t found a team willing to pay his asking price and his odds of returning to Detroit increase as the season draws closer. If a team signs Clowney, Smith could not be far behind and it would give the Lions another answer as they head toward the 2025 season.