By Sunday 
A Costly Decision That Continues to Haunt Detroit
The Detroit Lions made what seemed like a calculated financial decision when they released veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith before free agency. His contract, which included nearly $9 million in bonuses, made retaining him a tough pill to swallow. However, as time passes, the consequences of that move are becoming increasingly evident—and not in a good way.
The Logic Behind Letting Smith Go
On paper, releasing Smith made sense. By cutting him, the Lions freed up $5.7 million in cap space without any dead money on the books. Given the structure of his deal and the apparent inability to negotiate a pay cut, Detroit saw this as a financially prudent decision.
But was it the right football move? That’s where things start to look questionable.
The Lions’ Lackluster Replacement Plan
Since Smith’s departure, Detroit’s response to addressing the edge rusher position has been underwhelming. The most notable move was re-signing Marcus Davenport, who has struggled with injuries and consistency. Aside from a few lower-tier signings, the Lions appear to be banking heavily on the upcoming draft to fill the void.
If it truly came down to a choice between Smith and Davenport, the Lions may have made a serious miscalculation. Smith has played 33 games over the last two seasons, while Davenport has appeared in just six. The gap in reliability and production is hard to ignore.
Could a Reunion Still Happen?
As of now, Smith remains unsigned, raising speculation about a possible return to Detroit. If the main issue was his contract rather than performance, and if he isn’t getting the offers he expected in free agency, a reunion could make sense. However, if Smith’s release was due to an unwillingness to accept a pay cut, the chances of a return may be slim.
ESPN’s Take on Smith’s Value
ESPN’s Matt Bowen recently ranked the best remaining free agents, placing Smith at No. 12. He described him as:
“A speed-to-power rusher who can also align as a standup nose or 3-technique to get interior one-on-ones. Smith could help a contender looking for a rotational edge with scheme versatility.”
Bowen’s assessment only further emphasizes the mistake Detroit may have made. The Lions are a contending team in need of a rotational edge rusher—exactly the type of player Smith is.
The Reality: Lions May Have Made a Costly Error
There were undoubtedly complexities behind the decision to cut Smith. His contract, previous reluctance to take pay cuts, and possibly even his own request to be released all factored in. However, the bottom line remains: Detroit let go of a proven, durable pass rusher while failing to secure a comparable replacement.
Unless the Lions have a hidden plan yet to unfold, their choice to part ways with Smith is looking more and more like a serious misstep.