The latest NFL buzz has the Kansas City Chiefs attempting to sign a popular former Detroit free agent. Hopefully, before that happens, Lions GM Brad Holmes will step in to offer Za’Darius Smith a new contract with the Detroit Lions.
Why Detroit Lions Should Win Battle for Pro Bowl Veteran
Just before the NFL trade deadline in November of 2024, Holmes acquired Smith from the Cleveland Browns following Aidan Hutchinson’s season ending injury. During the eight games he played with the Lions, Smith, a three-time Pro Bowl talent posted 12 tackles (three TFL’s), 4.0 sacks and 10 QB hits. Fans were enchanted with the prospect of pairing him with Hutchinson should the Lions make the Super Bowl.
Smith And The Lions-A Perfect Pairing
Unfortunately, that scenario never materialized after the Lions playoff hopes were dashed by their premature exit following the loss to the Washington Commanders. But the thought of Hutchinson and Smith joining forces in 2025 helped whet fans appetites for the coming season.
Almost from the start, the 32 year old veteran endeared himself to Lions loyal the fan base. Smith seemed equally delighted to be in Detroit, enthusiastically embracing the city and showing up to support other local sports franchises. He even began dating a local personality, the lovely and talented rapper and actress, Kash Doll. The idea of Smith staying with Detroit seemed like a match made in heaven; except for the heavy contract burden that accompanied Smith from his time in Cleveland. Over the next two years, the Lions would be on the hook for an $11 million payout.
Lions-Smith Reunion Is the Solution
In March of 2025, Holmes was forced to release Smith for financial reasons stemming from his hefty salary cap hit. It was an amicable parting and the Lions management agreed to stay in contact with Smith’s agent should a re-signing under a new contract be possible. But as the weeks dragged on without a return announcement and as other NFL suitors emerged, fans began to wonder if a reunion would ever materialize.
Why A New Contract With Detroit Is Smith’s Best Option
After being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2015, Smith has become a veteran journeyman who played for five different NFL teams including the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. Signing with the Chiefs would make it six teams.
Staying with the Lions offers stability with a team and a fan base that embraced him. A proven success with Detroit, Smith has a familiarity and comfort level with the coaches, the playbook and teammates. The Lions enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with him. Adding Hutchinson to the equation is even more intriguing. Blockers would be hard pressed to cover both elite EDGE rushers simultaneously, providing Detroit with a definite advantage.
From the Lions perspective, re-signing Smith to a more favorable contract is a no-brainer. Despite his talent, Marcus Davenport hasn’t shown that he can remain healthy for an entire season. As promising as rookie Ahmed Hassanein appears, he is still a raw talent with an anticipated learning curve. If there is one thing Detroit learned from last years injury-riddled season, more depth is needed on defense.
For Smith, moving to a new city with another team also means learning a different defensive scheme and play book. As a 32-year old veteran that could take a big toll on his body.
Another Reason For Smith To Re-Sign With The Lions
Smith has another reason to remain in Detroit. His nephew Jackson Meeks was recently signed to the Lions as an undrafted free agent wide receiver. The 6’2″ 213 lb. Meeks is a talented wide receiver from Syracuse who recorded 78 receptions for 1,021 yards with seven touchdowns in 2024. Setting a record for hauling in 21 of 35 contested catches, Meeks is the likely victor for tight coverage receptions. In addition, Meeks provides a physical threat as a blocker in the run game that the Lions look for in their receivers.
Despite a stellar career and three Pro-bowl appearances, Smith has never played in the Super Bowl. Playing for Detroit who are widely seen as a potential Super Bowl contender would give him that opportunity. Adding Smith to the Lions 2025 roster would improve the team’s chances for making that dream a reality.
Main Image: Kimberly P. Mitchell – USA Today Sports
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