The Detroit Lions’ pass rush struggled significantly during the 2024 NFL season due to a series of injuries. The team initially signed Marcus Davenport in the offseason to bolster their defense, but his season ended prematurely in Week 3. Things took a further turn for the worse when star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson was also sidelined for the rest of the year in Week 5. Faced with these setbacks, the Lions were forced to make a move before the 2024 trade deadline to keep their defensive efforts afloat.
In a decisive move, Detroit traded a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick. Smith, who had been a reliable contributor for the Browns, stepped into the Lions’ defense and made an immediate impact. In the eight regular season games he played with Detroit, Smith recorded four sacks and 15 pressures, providing a crucial boost to the team’s pass rush.
While Smith made a solid contribution in his short time with the team, his future with the Lions is uncertain as he still has one more year left on his contract. The Lions, however, have the option to part ways with Smith during the offseason without taking a major financial hit. According to Spotrac, his contract carries a cap hit of just $4.01 million for the 2025 season. If the team decides to release him, they would save the full amount of that cap space.
However, Smith has made it clear that he hopes to remain with the Lions beyond this season. In a post on his Instagram account, Smith shared his thoughts on the 2024 season, acknowledging that it did not go as planned. He emphasized the disappointment of falling short of their goals but also expressed optimism about the upcoming 2025 season. “2024 didn’t go as planned at all; we fell short of the outcome we had planned for! 2025 gives us another opportunity to adjust and go for that championship!” Smith wrote, highlighting his determination for a better season ahead. He also expressed his gratitude for the time spent with his teammates, noting that although the team may look different in 2025, he hoped to remain a part of the organization.
The Lions’ potential strategy for the 2025 season remains a topic of much discussion. Among the popular predictions for the offseason is the selection of an edge rusher in the early rounds of the NFL Draft. Many analysts believe that Detroit will target a young, promising pass rusher to further strengthen their defensive line. Even if the Lions do draft an edge rusher, however, keeping Smith on the roster could still be a wise decision. While the team may look to bolster the pass rush with fresh talent, Smith could provide valuable depth and serve as a reliable option in case any new additions struggle to make an immediate impact.
Smith’s performance during his brief stint with the Lions in 2024 shows that he still has plenty to offer. Over the course of the season, he accumulated 25 pressures and nine sacks, demonstrating that he can still produce at a high level. Considering the modest cap hit of just $4 million, keeping Smith around for another year would be a cost-effective way for the Lions to maintain some stability on the defensive line while they focus on other areas of improvement.
As the offseason approaches, the Lions’ front office will likely weigh their options carefully. The priority will certainly be to continue improving the pass rush, which has been a weak spot for the team in recent years. Adding more talent to the defensive line is essential for the Lions if they hope to compete for a championship in 2025. However, retaining Smith could provide them with an experienced and proven pass rusher who can help bridge the gap while the team continues to build for the future.
In conclusion, while the Detroit Lions face important decisions regarding their defensive personnel heading into the 2025 season, Za’Darius Smith’s future with the team remains uncertain. The Lions could choose to part ways with Smith to free up cap space, but his production in 2024 suggests that it might be in their best interest to keep him for another year. With his low cap hit and solid contributions, Smith would offer the Lions valuable depth and insurance as they look to strengthen their pass rush in the offseason. For Smith, the 2025 season offers another opportunity to chase a championship with a team he clearly values, making it likely that he will continue to push for a role with the Lions in the coming year.
