By Blessing 
Could a Beloved Edge Rusher Make a Detroit Comeback?
There’s growing chatter in Detroit about a possible reunion — one that could give the Lions a crucial boost heading into a season full of uncertainty.
The Lions still have some breathing room before the grind of the 2025 NFL season begins, but every moment counts as they look to build on last year’s playoff momentum. Detroit may be viewed as one of the NFL’s rising powerhouses, but with a revamped coaching staff and some key holes left unfilled, questions still swirl about what lies ahead.
One particular concern remains the team’s depth at edge rusher. With Aidan Hutchinson returning from injury, there’s hope, but also concern — and that’s where a familiar face enters the conversation.
Why the Lions Need Help on the Edge
Despite Hutchinson being a core part of Detroit’s defensive identity, general manager Brad Holmes hasn’t shown much urgency in reinforcing the edge position. Last season, when Hutchinson was sidelined with a serious leg injury, the Lions had to scramble to find someone who could help hold the line. That someone turned out to be veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith — and he made quite the impression.
In a June 26 piece for ESPN, NFL analyst Aaron Schatz offered one key offseason move for every team. His recommendation for Detroit? Simple and direct: bring Smith back.
“Yes, Aidan Hutchinson will be back from his tibia/fibula injury, but there still are questions about the edge rusher depth in Detroit,” Schatz wrote. “It was a surprise when the Lions didn’t draft an edge rusher until Boise State’s Ahmed Hassanein in the sixth round. So why not bring back a veteran who wants to be there?”
Smith Wants Detroit — and Fans Want Him Back
It’s not just analysts who think a reunion makes sense. Smith himself has made it clear where his heart is. In an interview with USA Today, the veteran linebacker didn’t mince words.
> “We both know where I want to be. Hopefully I can get back to Detroit because the coaching staff and everybody in the front office are great,” Smith said. “When I’m there I feel like a leader and like I can influence the young guys and do great things. Hopefully I can get back to where I want to be in Detroit.”
Those are powerful words from a player who, in just eight games with the Lions last season, carved out a spot in fans’ hearts. Smith recorded four sacks, three tackles for loss, and 10 quarterback hits, stepping up in a major way when Detroit needed it most.
A Proven Playmaker with More to Offer
Smith’s short stint in Detroit was more than just filling in for an injured star — it was proof that he could still play at a high level. His veteran presence, leadership qualities, and playmaking ability were pivotal in helping the team stay competitive during a brutal stretch of defensive injuries.
It’s also worth imagining what a healthy Za’Darius Smith could do lined up opposite a healthy Hutchinson. That kind of one-two punch off the edge would be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and a much-needed weapon in a season that will likely test Detroit’s depth and resilience.
The Clock Is Ticking
For now, no deal has been signed, and Smith remains a free agent. But the window to act is shrinking. With training camps approaching and teams finalizing their rosters, time is running out for Detroit to make what could be a very smart move.
Bringing Smith back wouldn’t just be a fan-pleasing gesture — it would be a calculated decision to bolster a key position with a proven veteran who’s already shown he fits the system and culture.
Only time will tell if Holmes and the front office decide to make that call. But if they’re serious about contending in 2025, it might be wise to listen to both the fans and the locker room — and bring Za’Darius Smith back home.