By Mummy Grace 
While the Lions are widely considered one of the strongest teams in the league, there’s plenty of uncertainty with an overhauled coaching staff and some glaring question marks on defense. One of the biggest needs? More help at edge rusher to support star Aidan Hutchinson.
Why Za’Darius Smith Makes Perfect Sense
GM Brad Holmes hasn’t shown much urgency to bolster the edge room, but it’s a thin spot. Last year proved it: when Hutchinson went down, Detroit scrambled for answers and landed Za’Darius Smith, who stepped up big time.
ESPN’s Aaron Schatz recently published a list of recommended last-minute offseason moves for every team, and his suggestion for Detroit was crystal clear — bring Smith back. Schatz noted the Lions’ questionable depth behind Hutchinson and pointed out how surprising it was they waited until the sixth round to draft an edge (Ahmed Hassanein from Boise State). So why not re-sign a proven veteran who already knows the system?
Smith Wants a Detroit Reunion
Smith himself isn’t hiding his desire to return. He told USA Today:
> “Hopefully I can get back to Detroit because the coaching staff and everyone in the front office are great. When I’m there, I feel like a leader and like I can influence the young guys and do great things.”
Lions fans embraced Smith last season after he stepped in following Hutchinson’s injury, racking up four sacks, three tackles for loss, and 10 QB hits in just eight games. He played a major role in keeping Detroit’s playoff hopes alive — and earned the chance to come back.
An Unbeatable Duo
Pairing Hutchinson and Smith on the edge would give the Lions one of the NFL’s most dangerous pass-rushing tandems. That’s exactly what this team needs heading into a season full of changes and high expectations.
Holmes has proven he’s willing to make aggressive moves when the time is right. If he wants to solidify Detroit’s Super Bowl push, re-signing Smith might be the smartest play left on the board.