Veteran Pass Rusher Makes Plea to Stay With Lions Next Season

The Detroit Lions abruptly ended their postseason journey last week, losing 45-31 at home to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round. Despite multiple injuries on defense this season, Detroit was considered one of the favorites to reach and potentially win the Super Bowl.

However, the Lions couldn’t get the job done and now will gear up for a pivotal offseason, which is off to a wild start. Detroit lost its offensive and defensive coordinators and position coaches this past week to new opportunities.

In addition to the slew of coaching changes, the Lions have 31 free agents they must figure out if they want to bring back in 2025. Veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith isn’t one of those 31 free agents but could be playing elsewhere next season.

The Lions acquired Smith from the Cleveland Browns before the trade deadline in November to give them a much-needed boost off the edge. Smith played well in eight regular season games in the Motor City, recording 15 QB pressures, 10 quarterback hits, and four sacks.

However, the Lions might not keep the veteran defender based on how his contract is structured for 2025 and beyond. That said, the 32-year-old defensive end wants to return to the Motor City next season as he said in an Instagram post.

"2024 didn’t go as planned at all; we fell short of the outcome we had planned for! 2025 gives us another opportunity to adjust and go for that championship! I enjoyed every moment with my boys, and even though some faces have changed for the new season, I hope to be a part of this great organization for the future!"

- Za'Darius Smith on Instagram

According to Spotrac.com, Smith currently has a potential out in his contract for 2025, including a $0 dead cap. However, if the Lions were to keep him, Smith would have a $1.5 million base salary for 2025, which isn’t bad.

However, the veteran defensive lineman has a couple of bonuses (a $2 million roster bonus and a $6.99 million option bonus), due on the third day of the 2025 NFL calendar. Smith would also have four void years at the end of his contract. 

Therefore, instead of outright releasing him, the Lions could rework his deal as he will give them much-needed depth on the defensive line. At this stage of his career, Smith can still be a starter as we saw with the Browns and second half of this season with Detroit.

But he might be better suited as a rotational pass rusher, which could benefit everyone on the Lions’ defense.

More Detroit Lions News and Rumors: