As a potent addition to Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit is considering re-signing Za’Darius Smith. Smith’s return might improve the Lions’ defensive front while adding vital depth because of his track record of output and durability.

Last season, Dan Campbell’s Lions captured the imagination of football fans with their gritty play, explosive offense, and relentless defense. They stormed their way to a 12-5 record, took the NFC North crown, and came within one half of reaching the Super Bowl before falling to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC title game.

A big reason for their success was the rapid development of Hutchinson, who posted 11.5 sacks, 33 quarterback hits, and 74 pressures in 2024. But after Hutchinson, Detroit’s ability to generate consistent pressure dropped off. The Lions ranked 23rd in the NFL in sacks (39 total), exposing vulnerabilities in the secondary and putting stress on their linebacking corps.

If the Lions hope to take the next step, they need to address their pass rush—starting with proven, durable veterans who can complement Hutchinson and provide reliable production. That’s where Za’Darius Smith comes in.

Smith, 32, has been one of the NFL’s most quietly effective edge rushers over the past five seasons. A fourth-round pick out of Kentucky in 2015, Smith began his career with the Baltimore Ravens before breaking out in 2019 after signing with the Green Bay Packers. That year, he registered a career-high 13.5 sacks and quickly became one of the league’s most disruptive forces off the edge.

Over his last four healthy seasons (2019, 2020, 2022, and 2024), Smith has averaged nearly 10 sacks per year and provided steady quarterback pressure, consistently ranking among the league leaders in hurries and pressures.

In 2024 with the Cleveland Browns, Smith played in all 17 regular-season games and three postseason contests, showcasing not just his productivity but also his durability—something that’s increasingly rare among edge defenders his age. He posted 5.5 sacks, 20 quarterback hits, and 45 pressures despite sharing snaps with Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.

Smith wasn’t asked to be the primary rusher in Cleveland, but he thrived in a complementary role—exactly the spot he would occupy in Detroit next to Hutchinson. His tape shows a player who still wins one-on-one matchups, sets a physical edge against the run, and brings high-motor energy every snap.

Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has built a culture of toughness and accountability in Detroit’s locker room. His hybrid 4-3 scheme emphasizes aggressiveness, quickness off the line, and versatility along the front. While Hutchinson frequently moves around the formation, the Lions have lacked another end who can consistently win one-on-ones and push the pocket.

Smith could be the ideal fit to fill that void. His ability to play both defensive end and outside linebacker allows Glenn to scheme more creatively. Smith is comfortable rushing from both sides and even kicked inside on third downs in Cleveland to exploit mismatches against slower guards.

Re-signing Smith also offers protection against injury and decline from younger edge options like Josh Paschal and James Houston, both of whom have flashed promise but struggled with consistency and health. Bringing in Smith means the Lions wouldn’t need to lean too heavily on developing players to fill vital roles during critical stretches.

And don’t underestimate Smith’s veteran leadership. With a roster full of emerging stars still in their early 20s, adding a vocal, battle-tested leader like Smith can help elevate the unit’s overall performance—on and off the field.

The Lions entered the 2025 offseason with moderate cap space, and general manager Brad Holmes has earned praise for managing the team’s payroll strategically. By avoiding big-ticket free-agent splurges and instead prioritizing key extensions and value contracts, Detroit has left room to make an impact signing like Smith without compromising future flexibility.

Given Smith’s age and role as a complementary pass rusher, his price tag likely won’t break the bank. In 2024, he played on a team-friendly one-year, $3 million deal with the Browns. A similar contract—possibly with performance-based incentives—would be more than reasonable for a player of his caliber.

Moreover, the Lions can structure the deal creatively. They might offer a one-year contract with a second-year team option or voidable years to spread out the cap hit. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move that aligns perfectly with Detroit’s current timeline.

Pairing Za’Darius Smith with Aidan Hutchinson instantly gives the Lions one of the NFL’s most formidable edge tandems. Add in Alim McNeill, who had a breakout 2024 campaign at defensive tackle, and the front becomes even more dangerous. The Lions also drafted Texas DT T’Vondre Sweat to further bolster the interior, giving them impressive rotational depth.

This kind of defensive front does more than sack the quarterback—it changes the entire complexion of a defense. With Smith, Hutchinson, McNeill, and Sweat rotating on the line, the Lions can control the line of scrimmage, dictate tempo, and force offenses into uncomfortable situations.

Better pressure up front will also help Detroit’s secondary, which struggled at times in 2024. Cornerback additions like Carlton Davis III and rookie Terrion Arnold will benefit greatly from quarterbacks having less time to throw.

There’s also a personal layer to this potential reunion. The Lions were one of the finalists to land Smith in free agency before he ultimately signed with the Browns last year. Detroit’s culture, coaching staff, and ascending trajectory reportedly impressed Smith.

Now, with a legitimate Super Bowl window open, the Lions may offer the best of both worlds: a chance to contend and a locker room that fits Smith’s personality. Head coach Dan Campbell’s relentless, no-nonsense style aligns with Smith’s own hard-nosed identity.

Moreover, Smith still plays with a chip on his shoulder—an underdog mentality that fits perfectly with Detroit’s blue-collar ethos. After being released by the Vikings following a strong season, Smith proved in Cleveland that he still has a lot left in the tank. A return to Detroit might give him an extra spark to chase a ring.

At this point in the offseason, most elite defensive free agents have been scooped up. But Za’Darius Smith remains available—a unique case of a high-upside veteran still waiting for the right fit. For the Detroit Lions, this opportunity should be impossible to ignore.

They don’t need Smith to be the 13.5-sack monster he was in Green Bay. They just need him to be the steady, disruptive, and durable force he was last year in Cleveland. His presence would take pressure off Hutchinson, improve Detroit’s defensive rotation, and bring needed leadership to a young locker room hungry for more.

If Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell are serious about hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, re-signing Za’Darius Smith might be the missing piece. The move won’t just make sense—it could be the difference between another playoff run and a Super Bowl celebration.