The Detroit Lions added to their pass rush in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the selection of Boise State’s Ahmed Hassanein. Though the 22-year-old has promise and should be a nice rotational piece on Detroit’s defense this year, the Lions still need another starting-caliber edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
With the draft over and the free agency market dry, general manager Brad Holmes doesn’t have many pass-rushing options to choose from. However, A to Z Sports’ Wendell Ferreira predicts the Lions will pursue a reunion with free-agent edge rusher Za’Darius Smith to address the pressing need on their defense.
Right now, Marcus Davenport is projected to start opposite Aidan Hutchinson at defensive end for the Lions. That’s certainly not the ideal scenario for a Super Bowl contender. Za’Darius was released from the Lions for contract reasons back in March, and the fact that he is still available proves that he can be a lower-cost move for Detroit at this point. Smith played eight games for the Lions last season after being acquired in an in-season trade with the Browns, and had four sacks. With Hutch back, Smith can be more efficient as a secondary edge option.
Smith was released by the Lions back in March, but Detroit could be open to a reunion. The team needs help up front and recently signed Smith’s nephew, wide receiver Jackson Meeks, to a nice UDFA deal after the draft.
Though he isn’t an elite edge rusher, Smith was solid in 2024, posting nine sacks and 63 quarterback pressures. The 32-year-old was traded to the Lions during the 2024 trade deadline and gave the pass rush some juice after Hutchinson went down in Week 6 with a season-ending leg injury.
Smith has also been incredibly durable over the last few seasons, missing two games since 2022. The veteran would take some pressure off Hutchinson, who is coming off a serious injury, and would be a fantastic presence in the locker room.
Detroit must upgrade their pass rush before the 2025 campaign kicks off. A reunion with Smith makes a ton of sense, as he is already familiar with Dan Campbell’s culture and will provide adequate production as a complementary piece on the defensive line.
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