By Blessing 
Lions, Dan Campbell Under Fire for ‘Foolish’ Offseason Move
The Detroit Lions stirred up some offseason controversy after letting go of one of their key veterans—an offseason move that’s now drawing some sharp criticism. Head coach Dan Campbell, general manager Brad Holmes, and the rest of the Lions’ leadership have been busy reshaping the roster in hopes of making another playoff push in 2025. But while some moves are understandable, not all are sitting well with fans and analysts.
Coming off a tough playoff loss to the Washington Commanders, the team entered the offseason already facing a steep climb. Several assistant coaches left, along with a handful of impact players, forcing the front office to make some tough calls. Among those decisions? Parting ways with veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith—a choice that’s raising more than a few eyebrows.
Letting Go of a Leader
Za’Darius Smith was released early in free agency, primarily as a salary cap move. With the structure of his contract, keeping him around for another season would have been costly. Instead, the Lions opted to release him, freeing up around $5.7 million in cap space. Financially, the decision makes sense. But strategically, some believe Detroit may have made a mistake.
NFL analyst Brad Berreman of SideLion Report wasn’t shy in sharing his thoughts on the situation. In a March 24 article titled “Foolishness of Lions letting Za’Darius Smith go is being proven more and more,” Berreman questioned the team’s plan to fill the void Smith left behind.
“Re-signing Marcus Davenport is the headliner move to this point, which says it all amid some other lower-level re-signings,” Berreman noted. “There seems to be a total deference to a deep draft class at edge rusher to more notably fill the need.”
His concerns stem from what feels like a gamble—leaning heavily on a rookie class to replace a proven veteran presence on the defensive line. Berreman went on to say, “If it was a one or the other choice between Smith and Davenport, there’s a solid argument the Lions made the wrong choice.”
Is There Still a Chance for a Reunion?
Interestingly, Za’Darius Smith is still on the market. His free agency status leaves the door open—at least theoretically—for a possible return to Detroit. However, Berreman believes it’s a long shot, especially if his release was tied to a contract dispute.
“It would tilt toward unlikely if the reason for his release was rooted in being asked to take a pay cut,” he explained. “But if he’s not finding what he expected on the open market, the door to come back is theoretically open.”
Another voice chiming in is Cem Yolbulan of Detroit Jock City, who recently compiled a list of former Lions players who are still job hunting. Smith was included in that group, and Yolbulan highlighted the unusual nature of his current free agency.
“Despite being a three-time Pro Bowler and a productive defensive end throughout his career, Smith has found it hard to stick with a team,” Yolbulan wrote. “Since 2021, he has played for four different teams, including the Packers, Vikings, and the Lions. If he were to sign elsewhere, it would be his sixth team in his 11th season in the NFL.”
What’s the Bigger Plan?
What’s most frustrating for fans and analysts alike is the apparent lack of a clear replacement strategy. The Lions had a capable edge rusher in Smith, and now they’re left hoping either Marcus Davenport stays healthy or that a rookie can step in and produce right away—neither of which is a guaranteed outcome.
“The Lions have sat on their hands to add a proven edge rusher who can stay on the field, after having one in their midst they didn’t necessarily have to let go,” Berreman pointed out. “Maybe time proves them correct or there’s a plan that has yet to be revealed, but letting Smith go is looking more and more foolish.”
In a league where every roster decision can make or break a season, Detroit’s choice to move on from Smith feels like a gamble. Whether it pays off remains to be seen. But as of now, the critics are getting louder—and Dan Campbell and company may eventually have to answer for it.