After losing Levi Onwuzurike to a season-ending injury, the Detroit Lions could reunite with pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith before the 2025 regular season starts. According to breaking news, the Lions will be moving out without one of their prominent defensive linemen, who recorded 13 quarterback hits, 28 tackles and one tackle for a loss last year. The Lions fell apart in the postseason a couple of months ago against the Washington Commanders, so they would need to avoid that situation from happening again. The good news is that they could add one more veteran free agent, and that could be Za’Darius Smith.
Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the Lions brought him in through a trade last midseason after losing Aidan Hutchinson to his own injury. Smith put up some solid numbers for the Lions, but the team didn’t have the financial means to keep him in the offseason, so they let him go before any of his bonuses were going to kick in. However, the Lions’ front office was never closing the door on a possible reunion, and this might be the perfect situation for the team to make it happen. The team has a hole in their defensive pass-rushing unit and could use the presence of Smith to fill it temporarily under a one-year contract.
Despite that, the Lions won’t be the only ones potentially targeting Smith, as these other four suitors could pursue him.
Breaking: Lions Could Reunite With Free Agent Za’Darius Smith After Levi Onwuzurike Injury
Other Potential Fits
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders are no longer a rebuilding team, and the Von Miller signing is evidence of that. After losing Dante Fowler Jr. this offseason, they could use another reliable defensive end to help Deatrich Wise Jr. in this unit. While Smith might not have many years of production left in the tank, the Commanders are better off with an old veteran like Smith to continue building this defensive championship roster.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints are aging defensively, particularly with DeMario Davis and Cameron Jordan in the pass rush. After making a few offensive moves like trading for Davon Godchaux, the Saints should continue to build on that. Since the team will likely have a mediocre season offensively, it’s better to strengthen its defense to give the roster a fighting chance this season.
Los Angeles Chargers
However, the Los Angeles Chargers should be adding more offensive weapons after Mike Williams’s retirement, but they can’t ignore the defense. Between Da’Shawn Hand, Teair Tart and Otito Ogbonnia, the Chargers are better off building a veteran old-school trench like Jim Harbaugh wants. Interestingly, he hasn’t added any of what he wants in a physical defense, but the team could change that around and sign Smith at least on a one-year contract.
Baltimore Ravens
After losing Jadeveon Clowney, Patrick Queen and Malik Harrison, the Baltimore Ravens are slowly changing in the worst way. They must figure out a way to get more old-school players to put themselves in the best position for a Super Bowl run. The team signing John Jenkins won’t single-handedly save this defensive line, but Smith could strengthen it.
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