By Blessing 
Lions Haven’t Heard from Za’Darius Smith’s Agent About Possible Reunion
For fans hoping to see a reunion between the Detroit Lions and veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith, there’s been little to no movement recently. According to Lions general manager Brad Holmes, the team and Smith’s agent haven’t had any communication since the NFL owners meetings.
Holmes shared that his understanding is clear: If there are any updates or changes, Smith’s agent will be the one to reach out to Detroit.
A Brief Look Back at Smith’s Time in Detroit
Smith’s time with the Lions came through a midseason trade, where he was brought in to help fill the gap left by an injured Aidan Hutchinson. In just eight games, the 32-year-old pass rusher managed four sacks and 36 pressures, providing a valuable boost to Detroit’s defense.
However, Smith was released just over a month ago, ahead of the free agency period, as part of a move to save the Lions roughly $11 million over the next two years. This decision also helped clear void years in the contract he had signed with the Cleveland Browns.
The Rumors and the Reality
While rumors of a possible reunion have sparked on social media—especially after Smith was seen at a recent Detroit Pistons game with local rapper Kash Doll—there’s still no official word from the Lions or Smith’s camp. The three-time Pro Bowler remains unsigned and, given his experience, it’s not surprising if he chooses to wait until after the NFL draft, when teams will have a clearer picture of their needs.
As Holmes put it, “We couldn’t afford it is the bottom line. You know? That was my communication with him, and he understood that. Again, that’s an expensive position.” He continued, acknowledging Smith’s contributions, saying, “He played some good snaps for us, and he made plays for us when we acquired him, so we would have loved to been able to keep him. We just weren’t able to.”
What’s Next for Detroit’s Pass Rush?
Smith’s return would undoubtedly strengthen Detroit’s pass rush, giving them a formidable one-two punch alongside Hutchinson. It could also allow the often-injured Marcus Davenport to play a rotational role, with Josh Paschal and Levi Onwuzurike shifting to more inside positions. The Lions have expressed a desire to move Paschal inside more, and Onwuzurike stepped up when Hutchinson was sidelined with injuries.
As the NFL draft approaches in just a week, the Lions will have a better sense of their remaining needs heading into training camp. With a strong class of edge rushers and defensive linemen, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Holmes looked to infuse some youth into Detroit’s trenches.