*High-Stakes Bet: Brad Holmes Rolls the Dice on Marcus Davenport as Lions Cut Ties with Za’Darius Smith in Bold Roster Shake-Up
Brad Holmes has never been one to shy away from bold moves. Since taking over as general manager of the Detroit Lions, he’s built a reputation for taking calculated risks and betting on upside, whether it be through the draft, trades, or free agency. But his latest move—cutting veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith and effectively entrusting Marcus Davenport with a critical role in the Lions’ defensive front—might just be the biggest gamble of his tenure. It’s a decision that signals confidence, ambition, and a willingness to put the team’s future on the line in pursuit of greatness, but also one that carries a mountain of risk if it doesn’t pan out.
Za’Darius Smith was a known commodity. A proven pass-rusher with multiple Pro Bowl appearances under his belt, he brought leadership, physicality, and experience to a young Detroit defense that took major strides in 2023 and 2024. While Smith may not have had his most dominant season statistically, his presence on the edge was a stabilizing force, often commanding double teams and creating opportunities for rising stars like Aidan Hutchinson. But with age and salary considerations looming, Holmes made the call to cut Smith, freeing up cap space but creating a sizable void in the process.
Enter Marcus Davenport, a former first-round pick with tantalizing physical gifts and a career marked more by potential than production. When healthy, Davenport has flashed elite traits—speed off the edge, strength to set the edge, and the versatility to shift inside. But that “when healthy” caveat looms large. Injuries have been a constant theme in his NFL career, limiting his ability to find consistency and stay on the field for extended stretches. His sack totals have never quite matched the expectations that came with his draft pedigree, and his career thus far can best be described as unfulfilled promise.
Still, Brad Holmes sees something. The Lions’ GM is betting that under the guidance of Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Davenport can finally put it all together. Detroit’s culture has become one of the most player-friendly and developmental-focused environments in the NFL. The success stories are piling up—Hutchinson, Brian Branch, Alim McNeill, and Kerby Joseph have all blossomed into cornerstone players. Holmes clearly believes that if there’s a place for Davenport to reach his ceiling, it’s in Detroit.
There’s also the financial aspect to consider. Letting go of Za’Darius Smith, who was due a sizable salary and potentially looking for an extension, freed up valuable cap space. Davenport, meanwhile, comes in on a prove-it deal—likely loaded with incentives and relatively low risk in terms of financial commitment. If he pans out, the Lions could have a high-impact edge rusher at a fraction of the cost. If not, they can move on without damaging the long-term structure of their roster. In a vacuum, the logic is sound. But roster moves are never made in a vacuum, especially when expectations are sky-high.
The Lions are no longer a rebuilding team. They are contenders—favorites to win the NFC North, and among the top teams expected to challenge for a Super Bowl appearance. Every personnel decision, especially one involving a pass rush that must contend with quarterbacks like Jordan Love, Caleb Williams, and J.J. McCarthy in the conference, has ripple effects. Can Davenport truly be counted on to anchor one side of the defensive line for an entire season? Can he stay healthy? Can he deliver when it matters most—in January?
Holmes is gambling that the answer to all of those questions is yes. And to be fair, there are reasons to be cautiously optimistic. Davenport’s 2021 season in New Orleans, where he posted 9 sacks in just 11 games, showed what he’s capable of when things click. At 6’6” and 265 pounds with long arms and elite burst, he has all the tools to dominate. And in a rotation that features Hutchinson, McNeill, and potentially a breakout from rookie edge rusher Mekhi Wingo, he won’t need to be the every-down anchor. Instead, he can focus on creating havoc in pass-rush situations, spelling other linemen, and staying fresh for the big moments.
But that’s assuming health, development, and adaptation to the Lions’ scheme and culture—none of which are guarantees. The fact remains that Smith, despite being older and more expensive, was a dependable veteran presence who helped the Lions make a deep playoff run. His ability to mentor younger players, provide steady pressure, and perform in big games gave Detroit a safety net they no longer have. Replacing that kind of reliability with a player who has never played a full season is the definition of a high-risk move.
Holmes has earned the benefit of the doubt in many ways. His draft record is among the best in the league over the past few years. He’s made shrewd free-agent signings and demonstrated a clear vision for building a contender the right way—through the trenches, with physicality, character, and youth. But this move, more than most, puts that vision to the test. Davenport is not a young rookie with years to develop. He’s a veteran at a career crossroads, trying to prove he belongs as a starter on a playoff-caliber team.
If he thrives, Holmes will look like a genius who found a gem in the bargain bin while retooling the defense for another deep postseason run. If he falters, critics will point to the departure of Smith as a major misstep in a season where the Lions can’t afford regression. And with Detroit fans tasting success for the first time in decades, patience is no longer infinite. The window is open now, and Holmes is tasked with keeping it that way.
Much of the Lions’ 2025 success will hinge on the defense continuing its upward trajectory. The offense, led by Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and a dominant offensive line, is already among the league’s best. But in today’s NFL, championships are won with pressure and disruption. Quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts, Brock Purdy, and even Patrick Mahomes can be rattled if the pass rush gets home. That’s where Davenport becomes more than just a roster addition—he becomes a focal point of the team’s championship aspirations.
There’s also the psychological factor. Players in the locker room undoubtedly respected Smith, who brought playoff experience and a blue-collar work ethic. His departure could create a leadership vacuum unless someone—possibly even Davenport himself—steps up to fill that void. Dan Campbell and his staff will need to ensure that the team remains cohesive and motivated through the transition, and that confidence in the front office’s decisions doesn’t waver.
It’s not uncommon for contenders to make difficult decisions as they fine-tune their rosters for a title run. The Kansas City Chiefs let go of high-profile players like Tyreek Hill and Orlando Brown Jr. The San Francisco 49ers have moved on from expensive veterans to prioritize younger, ascending talent. Holmes’ decision fits that mold. But it’s also a reminder that every decision has consequences, and the margin for error is slimmer the higher a team climbs.
If the Lions reach the NFC Championship or Super Bowl and Davenport plays a key role, Holmes will be lauded for his courage and foresight. If they fall short and the pass rush falters, especially in moments where Smith’s experience might have made a difference, the criticism will be loud and unforgiving. That’s the nature of the NFL—high risk, high reward.
For now, all eyes are on training camp. Davenport will be under the microscope from Day 1. Reporters, fans, and teammates alike will be watching to see if he can stay healthy, learn the playbook, and earn the trust of the coaching staff. He doesn’t need to be a superstar—just consistent, disruptive, and available. If he can deliver that, the gamble might pay off handsomely.
Brad Holmes has built the Lions into a legitimate contender with a mix of bold moves and homegrown talent. His latest decision to bet on Marcus Davenport is bold, risky, and potentially brilliant. But as with any gamble, only time will tell whether it pays off—or whether the house wins. For Detroit, the stakes have never been higher.
