Veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith had a brief stint with the Lions in 2024 and is aiming for a longer stay in 2025.
Traded from the Browns during the regular season, Smith made an impact with four sacks in the second half. Though Detroit released him in a cap-saving move earlier this year, they left the door open for a potential return—and Smith is eager to walk through it.
“We both know where I want to be,” Smith told Tyler Dragon of USA Today. “Hopefully I can get back to Detroit because the coaching staff and front office are great. I feel like a leader there, someone who can guide the younger players and do something special. Hopefully I can get back to where I want to be.”
The Lions acquired Smith to help fill the void left by Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending injury. A potential return in 2025 would give Detroit a chance to pair the two edge rushers, creating a formidable duo to strengthen the pass rush as they aim for another NFC North title this fall.
