As the 2025 offseason unfolds, the Detroit Lions find themselves with a glaring weakness at the edge rusher position — a concern that has only deepened following their decision to part ways with veteran Za’Darius Smith.
The release caught many off guard, especially considering Smith’s contributions. However, according to General Manager Brad Holmes, the team couldn’t meet his salary demands, which were north of $11 million.
Holmes made it clear the decision was financially driven rather than performance-based. “Za’Darius gave us solid production when he was on the field,” Holmes explained, as reported by The Detroit News. “We just weren’t in a financial position to keep him at that number.” Despite the split, Holmes emphasized that communication remains open with Smith’s camp.
When Holmes addressed the media ahead of the upcoming draft, he noted there hadn’t been any new discussions regarding Smith’s return since the league meetings. That lack of momentum doesn’t inspire much confidence in a reunion — a scenario that could hurt Detroit, given their current roster construction.
On one side of the defensive line, Aidan Hutchinson continues to thrive. But who will complement him remains unclear. Though Marcus Davenport is back, his injury history makes it difficult to count on him as a full-time solution.
The Lions are expected to target help on the edge in the draft, though that path comes with no guarantees. Rookies often take time to adjust, and Detroit has championship ambitions that may not afford such patience.
Holmes, however, has made it clear he doesn’t believe in drafting players solely based on positional need. “Reaching to fill a need can get you into trouble,” he told The Detroit News. So if the board doesn’t fall in their favor, they may not address the edge position at all early in the draft.
In essence, the Lions are walking a tightrope. By staying cautious with spending and avoiding desperation picks, they risk entering the season without a proven pass-rusher opposite Hutchinson — a gamble that could weigh heavily on their postseason hopes.