When the Detroit Lions opted not to take a top edge rusher early in the 2025 NFL Draft, some fans started hoping for a familiar name to return — Za’Darius Smith. After all, Smith had a solid stint in Detroit, and with a clear need for help opposite Aidan Hutchinson, the fit made a lot of sense.
But not everyone sees that reunion happening. In fact, For The Win’s Cory Woodroof believes Smith is headed elsewhere — to an AFC playoff contender. He’s predicting the veteran pass rusher will land with the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Bengals did draft defensive end Shemar Stewart in Round 1, but he’s seen as a project. And if they end up dealing Trey Hendrickson, they’ll need a plug-and-play pass rusher fast. That’s where Smith could step in — a proven veteran who can still disrupt the backfield and bring leadership to a young locker room.
Meanwhile in Detroit, the Lions took Boise State’s Ahmed Hassanein in Round 6 — an exciting but raw talent who will need time to adjust to the NFL. For now, the Lions are banking on Hassanein to develop behind Hutchinson, but the lack of a clear Plan B at EDGE is concerning.
Za’Darius Smith would still make sense for the Lions, but if the Bengals get there first, Brad Holmes may have to look elsewhere to reinforce the pass rush before Week 1.
