By Blessing 
Analysts Urge Lions to Reunite With Za’Darius Smith to Support Hutchinson
The Detroit Lions took a hit last season when their defensive star suffered a fractured leg in October. While they did manage to find some temporary relief by trading for Za’Darius Smith before the deadline, the need for a long-term solution still lingers.
Now that Aidan Hutchinson is healthy and ready to return to form, some analysts believe it’s time for Detroit to bring back Smith and finally give Hutchinson the pass-rushing partner he’s been missing since entering the league.
NFL analyst Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report believes reuniting with Smith would be a smart move for Detroit. Smith, who was let go earlier this offseason as a cost-cutting decision, could bring experience and productivity to a defense that desperately needs more firepower off the edge.
> “While it would be great to have a healthy Hutchinson in training camp and under contract long-term, Detroit should be looking for more at the position,” Knox explained. “The defense recorded just 37 sacks as a unit last season. Za’Darius Smith ranked second behind Hutchinson with only four.”
Knox also pointed out that if Smith isn’t an option, the Lions should look elsewhere—perhaps at someone like Trey Hendrickson, who has emerged as a potential trade candidate.
> “Bringing him back or acquiring another pass rusher via free agency or trade—Trey Hendrickson looms as a top trade target—would be wise,” Knox added.
Why the Fit Still Makes Sense
Knox isn’t the only expert who sees value in a possible reunion between Smith and the Lions. Matt Bowen of ESPN also highlighted Smith as a great fit for Detroit in a piece he published in May. He emphasized the team’s light approach to edge rushers during the 2025 draft as a reason why veteran depth is still badly needed.
> “The Lions took only one edge rusher in the 2025 draft (Boise State’s Ahmed Hassanein), leaving a need for a veteran opposite Aidan Hutchinson,” Bowen wrote. “So even though Detroit released Smith in March, bringing him back on another deal makes a lot of sense.”
Bowen also praised Smith’s contributions after coming over from Cleveland, especially during the stretch where Hutchinson was sidelined.
> “Smith was productive after getting traded from Cleveland to Detroit before the deadline last season,” Bowen noted. “In eight games with the Lions, he had four sacks and 20 pressures. He’s a speed-to-power rusher who can get interior one-on-ones as a standup nose tackle or 3-technique. That’d give Detroit’s new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard more matchup ability up front.”
The Need Is Clear
Detroit has struggled to find a consistent edge threat to play alongside Hutchinson. James Houston, a promising member of the 2022 draft class, showed early flashes with 8.0 sacks in seven games as a rookie, but couldn’t replicate that success. He was limited mostly to passing downs and ended up being released last November after failing to earn regular snaps.
With Hutchinson back at full strength, the Lions are looking to build on their defensive potential—and bringing back Za’Darius Smith could be the missing piece to help unlock it.