The Detroit Lions went 15-2 last season, but they were unceremoniously bounced from the Divisional Round of the playoffs as a result of an issue that concerned many throughout the year: defense.
While the Lions boasted an explosive offense, their defense was pedestrian. Obviously, the loss of Aidan Hutchinson during the first half of the campaign was devastating, but even with Hutchinson, Detroit had issues on that side of the ball.
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One of the Lions’ biggest issues was their pass rush, which was mostly non-existent outside of Hutchinson. Detroit did swing a midseason trade to add Za’Darius Smith, who definitely helped, but the Lions proceeded to cut Smith after the season concluded.
But here’s the thing: Smith still remains available in free agency, which has many wondering if Detroit will pursue a reunion with the three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher. Especially with an open roster spot.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes was asked about the possibility of potentially reuniting with Smith before Week 1, and he offered a rather candid response.
“You guys know me, anything’s a possibility at any point,” Holmes said, via Colton Pouncy of The Athletic. “I don’t know what’s going to happen. But, the one open roster spot, we just have one open roster spot. It’s not for a specific player, it’s for the player that makes the most sense for us, whoever that player may be.”
Holmes added that he had not engaged in discussions with Smith recently, but perhaps talks could resurface before the season begins.
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Smith logged 12 tackles and four sacks in eight games with the Lions last year. In 17 contests total between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit, he accumulated 35 tackles and nine sacks.
The Lions will definitely benefit from having a healthy Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport (who has played just six games the last two seasons) in 2025, but it might also be wise for Detroit to bring Smith back considering that he still clearly a productive player.
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