By Zicpraiz 
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is facing another setback with the loss of key player Za’Darius Smith, a defensive end who joined the Lions in a trade from the Cleveland Browns in November last year. Smith’s departure is a significant blow to the Lions’ defense, which will now need to find a replacement for his skills and experience.
Impact on the Lions’ Defense
Smith’s exit leaves a void in the Lions’ pass rush, which was already a concern for the team. The Lions will need to rely on other players, such as Aidan Hutchinson, who is recovering from a season-ending injury, and James Houston, who showed promise as a rookie last season.
Campbell’s Coaching Staff Changes
This isn’t the first time Campbell has lost a key player or staff member. The Lions have seen several coaching staff departures, including:
- Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who left to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears.
- Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who joined the New York Jets as their head coach.
- Defensive line coach Terrell Williams, who departed for the New England Patriots.
Aidan Hutchinson’s Recovery
The Lions are also awaiting the return of defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who suffered a season-ending injury in October last year. Hutchinson’s recovery is progressing smoothly, and he’s expected to be ready for Week 1 of the upcoming season.