The Detroit Lions bolstered their pass rush in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft by picking Boise State’s Ahmed Hassanein. Although the 22-year-old shows potential and should serve as a solid rotational asset on Detroit’s defense this season, the Lions still require another starting-caliber edge rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson.
Now that the draft has concluded and the free agency pool is scarce, general manager Brad Holmes has limited choices for pass-rushing. Nonetheless, A to Z Sports’ Wendell Ferreira forecasts that the Lions will seek a reunion with free-agent edge rusher Za’Darius Smith to tackle the urgent requirement for their defense.
Currently, Marcus Davenport is expected to start alongside Aidan Hutchinson at defensive end for the Lions. That’s definitely not the perfect situation for a Super Bowl contender. Za’Darius was let go by the Lions in March due to contract issues, and his continued availability indicates that he could represent a more affordable option for Detroit now. Smith participated in eight games for the Lions last season after being traded mid-season from the Browns, recording four sacks. With Hutch returning, Smith can function more effectively as a secondary edge choice.
Smith was let go by the Lions in March, but Detroit might be receptive to a reunion. The team requires assistance in the offensive line and has recently acquired Smith’s nephew, wide receiver Jackson Meeks, with a favorable UDFA contract following the draft.
While he may not be a top-tier edge rusher, Smith performed well in 2024, recording nine sacks and 63 pressures on the quarterback. The 32-year-old was moved to the Lions at the 2024 trade deadline and boosted the pass rush after Hutchinson suffered a season-ending leg injury in Week 6.
Smith has been remarkably resilient in recent seasons, having missed only two games since 2022. The experienced player would ease the burden on Hutchinson, who recently recovered from a significant injury, and would provide an excellent atmosphere in the locker room.
Detroit needs to enhance their pass rush prior to the start of the 2025 season. Reuniting with Smith is very logical, given that he already understands Dan Campbell’s culture and will offer sufficient contributions as a supporting element on the defensive line.