MOTOR CITY REUNION BUZZ: Lions Urged to Bring Back 3-Time Pro Bowl Edge Rusher Who ‘Wants to Be There’—Detroit Eyeing Powerful Return to Bolster Defense
There are few things more intriguing in the NFL offseason than the possibility of a star player making a return to a team where his presence once electrified the fan base and elevated the defense. That’s exactly the scenario now facing the Detroit Lions, as calls intensify for the franchise to reunite with three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Za’Darius Smith. Smith, who once terrorized opposing quarterbacks and became a nightmare matchup on the edge, has reportedly expressed interest in coming back to Detroit, a city and a fan base that embraces gritty, relentless defensive energy. This growing momentum toward a potential reunion has ignited serious buzz not only in the Motor City, but also across the league, as analysts and insiders increasingly believe this is a move that could transform the Lions’ defensive front into one of the league’s most dangerous.
Za’Darius Smith, now an established veteran with a proven track record of production, has found himself at a career crossroads. After multiple stops and impactful seasons with teams like the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Cleveland Browns, Smith is once again a free agent, weighing his options. What makes this potential move so compelling is not just his résumé—29 sacks across the 2019 and 2020 seasons, a fearsome motor, and a locker-room presence that brings instant leadership—but the fact that he has made his interest in Detroit known. “I want to be there,” Smith reportedly told sources close to the situation, a sentiment that has reverberated throughout Detroit’s fan circles and sent Lions Twitter into a frenzy.
The Lions are coming off a thrilling 2024 campaign that saw them reach the NFC Championship Game for the first time in over three decades. Under head coach Dan Campbell, Detroit has developed a reputation for hard-nosed, passionate football. Campbell has cultivated a locker room full of fighters, players who embody resilience and pride. While the team’s offense, led by Jared Goff and a bruising run game, has gotten plenty of praise, it’s the defense that still needs sharpening—particularly in pass rushing. Aidan Hutchinson has proven himself as a legitimate star, but Detroit lacks consistent pressure from the opposite side. Reuniting with a player like Za’Darius Smith could provide the jolt the defense needs to push this team from contender to Super Bowl favorite.
Analysts have been nearly unanimous in their take: if Smith is healthy and motivated—and by all accounts, he is—he would be an immediate upgrade on Detroit’s edge. Former NFL executive and current ESPN analyst Louis Riddick put it bluntly during a recent segment: “Za’Darius Smith in Detroit? That’s a game-changer. That’s a move that screams ‘we’re all in.’ If I’m the Lions, I make that call today.” Riddick’s sentiments echo what others in league circles have been whispering for weeks. Detroit is already a team on the rise; adding a Pro Bowl-caliber pass rusher could be the move that cements their status among the NFL elite.
Of course, there are financial considerations. Detroit has cap space, but general manager Brad Holmes has been prudent about how he allocates it. The Lions have been building methodically, drafting well, developing their core talent, and resisting the urge to overspend in free agency. Yet a move like this, especially with Smith publicly indicating a willingness to join at a fair price, may fall right in line with Holmes’ strategy. Smith doesn’t need to be paid like a top-tier edge at this point in his career—he needs the right fit, a chance to win, and a place where he’s respected. Detroit offers all of that in spades.
Another key angle is Smith’s familiarity with the NFC North. Having spent time with the Packers and Vikings, he knows the division’s offenses inside and out. That kind of institutional knowledge is invaluable, especially in late-season divisional matchups that often determine playoff seeding. Smith has shown a particular knack for disrupting both Justin Fields and Jordan Love, which makes him even more appealing from a strategic standpoint. When the Lions look at the schedule and see crucial late-season matchups that could decide home-field advantage, having a seasoned, disruptive force like Smith could prove the difference between a wild card and a first-round bye.
Team culture is another reason this match makes so much sense. Za’Darius Smith is a vocal leader, someone who rallies his teammates and plays with emotion. That’s the kind of attitude that fits perfectly with Dan Campbell’s culture in Detroit. The Lions have built a team-first environment, and they need veterans who can lead by example, especially when things get tough. Smith has played in big games. He knows what it takes to get to the postseason and win. His presence in the locker room could elevate younger players and bring a new level of intensity to the defense.
And then there’s the fan base. Detroit fans are passionate, loyal, and hungry for success. They understand the game, and they recognize the value of a player like Smith. Social media has already begun clamoring for the reunion. Hashtags calling for his return are circulating, and jersey swap edits of Smith back in Honolulu blue are going viral. The buzz is real, and the organization is undoubtedly aware of it. This isn’t just a football decision—it’s a statement of intent to the fans, a message that the front office is listening and willing to do what it takes to bring a championship to Detroit.
Za’Darius Smith himself hasn’t been shy about stoking the flames. His recent social media activity has included likes and cryptic comments on Lions-related posts. While nothing is official, the tea leaves suggest that this reunion is not just possible, but increasingly likely. Smith’s agent has reportedly been in preliminary discussions with multiple teams, but insiders say Detroit is at or near the top of his list. He sees what the Lions are building, and he wants to be a part of it. That kind of mutual interest doesn’t come around often in the NFL, and when it does, teams have to act.
For Detroit, the time is now. The window to win in the NFL is always narrow, and when a team finds itself on the cusp, it must capitalize. Reuniting with a player like Za’Darius Smith sends a strong message to the locker room, the league, and the city: the Lions are no longer rebuilding—they’re coming for it all. The opportunity to bring in a Pro Bowl talent who genuinely wants to be part of the journey doesn’t happen often. That’s what makes this moment so critical. It’s a chance to solidify a defense that, while full of potential, still needs more firepower. It’s a chance to build on the momentum of 2024 and push into 2025 with even higher expectations.
Critics might question whether Smith, now past 30, can still produce at an elite level. But a deeper look at his tape from recent seasons shows a player who has adapted his game. He may no longer rely purely on speed and burst, but his hand technique, leverage, and football IQ have improved significantly. He’s become a smarter rusher, able to diagnose protections and exploit weaknesses. And most importantly, he still commands double-teams—something that would free up Hutchinson and others to wreak havoc on the opposite side. Even on a pitch count, Smith’s impact could be massive.
The move wouldn’t just be about production on Sundays. It’s about what Za’Darius Smith represents: a commitment to winning, a no-nonsense approach to football, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. For a Lions team trying to erase decades of frustration and heartbreak, those intangibles matter. They’ve already changed the narrative. Now, they need to seal it with a title. And players like Smith are the kind of pieces that make those dreams real.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to Detroit’s front office. But if they’re listening to their coaches, their fans, their players, and even the player himself, the answer is clear. The Lions have an opportunity to bring back a difference-maker, a player who fits their scheme, their culture, and their aspirations. The stars are aligning for a Motor City reunion that could help propel the team to heights it hasn’t seen since the glory days of Barry Sanders. And in a league where every edge counts, signing Za’Darius Smith might just be the bold move that pushes the Lions over the top.
