Report: Za’Darius Smith Likely Headed to AFC Contender, Not Detroit

The Detroit Lions might have to look elsewhere to fill their pass-rushing void. Despite the buzz about a possible reunion with veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, it looks like he could be heading in a very different direction — toward an AFC playoff hopeful.

A Missed Opportunity for Detroit?

With the Lions opting not to take a top edge rusher in the early rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, many believed the stars were aligning for Smith to return to Detroit — a team he once helped anchor defensively. Instead, they grabbed Boise State’s Ahmed Hassanein in the sixth round — a promising but raw talent who’ll need time to develop behind Aidan Hutchinson.

That leaves Detroit’s edge room looking a little thin heading into the season. So, naturally, the speculation began: Could Smith be the veteran presence the Lions need again?

But One Analyst Says: Don’t Count on It

Cory Woodroof from For The Win is betting against it. His prediction? Smith ends up in Cincinnati.

“The Bengals drafted Shemar Stewart in the first round of this year’s draft, but he’s an incredibly raw prospect,” Woodroof wrote. “Especially if the team trades defensive end Trey Hendrickson, adding Smith would be an incredibly smart way to make sure there is a capable veteran pass-rusher on the roster. Smith is the marquee player available.”

It makes a lot of sense. The Bengals are in win-now mode. If Hendrickson is indeed on the move, Smith offers immediate production, leadership, and playoff experience — all things Cincinnati would love to add off the edge.

What This Means for the Lions

Detroit may have rolled the dice on youth in the draft, but unless GM Brad Holmes has a surprise signing up his sleeve, it looks like the team is heading into 2025 leaning heavily on Hutchinson — and hoping Hassanein or someone else steps up in a big way.

As for Smith, he still fits the Lions’ mold in many ways. But if Cincinnati pulls the trigger first, Detroit will be forced to pivot.

The door may not be closed entirely — but it’s definitely swinging in the Bengals’ direction.