Aidan Hutchinson’s Hunt for Help Finally Nears End as Detroit Lions Eye Za’Darius Smith to Form Ferocious Edge Duo

The Detroit Lions have been searching for answers on the edge opposite Aidan Hutchinson, and now, it appears that hunt is approaching its conclusion. In what could be one of the most impactful offseason moves for Detroit’s defense, the Lions have set their sights on veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith, signaling a bold attempt to assemble one of the NFL’s most feared defensive end tandems.

For Hutchinson, the No. 2 overall pick from the 2022 NFL Draft, his rapid rise to stardom in Detroit has been both impressive and essential. Over the past two seasons, Hutchinson has emerged as the heart of the Lions’ defense, racking up double-digit sacks, consistent quarterback pressures, and proving himself as one of the league’s most relentless edge defenders. But as dominant as he’s been individually, the lack of a consistent partner on the opposite side has left the Lions vulnerable, especially in critical playoff moments.

General manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell know this all too well. Despite Detroit’s remarkable 2024 campaign, which included an NFC North title and a deep playoff run, the defense’s inability to consistently generate pressure from both edges exposed a gap that playoff-caliber teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles ruthlessly exploited. Now, with expectations sky-high in Motown and a roster built to contend, the Lions are determined to close that gap — and Za’Darius Smith may be the answer.

Smith, a two-time Pro Bowler with extensive experience in the NFC North, has been a force off the edge throughout his career. After terrorizing offenses with the Green Bay Packers from 2019 to 2021, Smith spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Cleveland Browns, where he continued to demonstrate his ability to disrupt quarterbacks and collapse pockets. His 2024 season saw him register 9.5 sacks, 21 quarterback hits, and countless pressures that helped fuel one of the league’s top defensive units.

But beyond the stats, it’s Smith’s veteran presence, leadership, and fierce mentality that make him an ideal fit for Detroit. His game complements Hutchinson’s in critical ways — while Hutchinson brings relentless energy, agility, and technical precision, Smith adds brute strength, savvy pass-rush moves, and the ability to set the edge in run defense. Together, they could form the type of one-two punch that opposing offensive coordinators dread scheming against.

Reports indicate that discussions between Smith’s representatives and the Lions have intensified in recent weeks, with both sides expressing mutual interest. Financial details remain under wraps, but sources close to the situation suggest that Detroit is willing to invest significant resources to bring Smith to Ford Field, recognizing that elite pass rushers are often the missing piece for Super Bowl contenders.

It’s a strategy that mirrors the approach seen from recent championship teams. Consider the impact of duos like Nick Bosa and Chase Young in San Francisco, or Von Miller and Leonard Floyd with the Buffalo Bills. The modern NFL, with its pass-heavy offenses and mobile quarterbacks, demands defenses that can generate pressure without overcommitting to blitz packages — and that starts with dominant edge play.

For the Lions, the potential acquisition of Smith is about more than stats; it’s about culture. Under Campbell’s leadership, Detroit has cultivated a gritty, resilient identity. Hutchinson embodies that spirit, and Smith, known for his fiery demeanor and locker room leadership, fits the mold perfectly.

Speaking on the potential of adding Smith, an anonymous Lions front office source told local media, “We’re building something special here. Our defense took huge strides last year, but we know there’s another level to reach. Pairing Hutch with a proven vet like Za’Darius would send a message — we’re not here just to compete, we’re here to dominate.”

From Hutchinson’s perspective, having a player of Smith’s caliber opposite him would be a game-changer. Throughout the 2024 season, Hutchinson faced constant double teams and chip blocks from tight ends and running backs. Despite the added attention, he still managed to post 12 sacks and 25 tackles for loss, solidifying his status as one of the league’s most disruptive forces. But imagine those numbers with defenses unable to key solely on him — that’s the vision Detroit’s brass is betting on.

Fans in Detroit, always passionate and hungry for success, are already buzzing about the possibility. Social media has been flooded with mockups of Smith in the iconic Honolulu blue and silver, while local sports talk radio debates the impact his arrival could have on the Lions’ title hopes.

But beyond the fanfare lies the football reality — the NFL is won in the trenches. The Lions’ offensive line is widely considered one of the league’s best, and now, the front office is committed to building a defensive line that strikes equal fear into opponents. Adding Smith to a group that already features Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, and promising young defenders like Josh Paschal would give Detroit arguably the most complete defensive front in the NFC.

It’s also worth noting the familiarity factor. Smith knows the NFC North inside and out, having spent three dominant years in Green Bay. He understands the tendencies of division rivals like the Vikings, Bears, and Packers, and his insight could provide a tactical edge in critical matchups. That knowledge, combined with his proven production, makes him more than just a short-term boost — he’s a strategic chess piece in Detroit’s quest to control the North.

There are, of course, questions to address. Smith, now in his early 30s, has battled injuries in the past, and the Lions will need to carefully manage his workload to ensure he’s at full strength for a playoff push. But given Detroit’s depth and rotational options, that risk appears manageable, especially when weighed against the potential reward.

Off the field, Smith’s arrival could also accelerate the development of younger players in Detroit’s locker room. Hutchinson, despite his rapid rise, remains early in his career, and having a veteran like Smith to lean on for technique refinement, film study habits, and game-day preparation could pay dividends that extend beyond just this season.

The Lions’ aggressive pursuit of Smith also signals a broader organizational mindset shift. For decades, Detroit was plagued by mediocrity, front office dysfunction, and squandered talent. But under Campbell and Holmes, the narrative is changing. Playoff expectations are no longer viewed as pipe dreams — they’re the standard. The pursuit of Smith reflects that ambition.

In many ways, this potential signing epitomizes the new Detroit Lions — bold, unrelenting, and hungry for respect. Pairing Hutchinson with Za’Darius Smith would send shockwaves through the NFC and establish the Lions as legitimate Super Bowl contenders, not just a feel-good story.

As negotiations continue, Lions fans wait with bated breath. But one thing is clear: Aidan Hutchinson’s hunt for help is nearly over, and with Za’Darius Smith potentially in the fold, Detroit’s defense may finally have the firepower to take the next leap. The roar in the Motor City is getting louder — and the rest of the NFL better take notice.