Following the season-ending injuries of edge rushers Marcus Davenport and Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes was assigned the challenge of exploring the trade market for a substitute.
Ultimately, he secured veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith via a trade with the Cleveland Browns just ahead of the deadline. The Lions obtained Smith along with a 2026 seventh-round selection in return for a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick.
“However, acquiring a pass rusher was a challenge since it was the first time this year we had to trade for one, and I must say that it was the toughest player acquisition experience I’ve ever encountered,” Holmes remarked about the Smith trade during his end-of-year press conference.
Smith recorded four sacks after arriving in Detroit, making it the second-highest total on the team even though he played only half a season with the Lions. However, he failed to make any impression in the playoff defeat against the Washington Commanders.
As we look toward 2025, Smith has a contract, yet he will be turning 33 and can be released without any dead money if the Lions decide to pursue that option.
In a recent post on social media, Smith expressed strongly that he wishes to remain in Detroit.
“Motor City, 2024 did not unfold as we expected; we did not achieve the results we aimed for,” Smith stated. “2025 presents us with another chance to adapt and strive for that championship!” I cherished every second spent with my boys, and although some faces have shifted for the new season, I look forward to remaining part of this wonderful organization in the future!
This decision shouldn’t be too challenging for the Lions. They must definitely retain Smith, since letting him go would create a gap on the edge opposite Hutchinson.
Smith demonstrated he still had a lot in reserve last season, wrapping up with nine sacks overall, counting the five he recorded while with the Browns. He also blended perfectly into the Lions’ locker room and infused it with a lot of energy.
As the Lions prepare for another Super Bowl run in 2025, they must retain Smith and consider adding depth, potentially even a long-term partner for Hutchinson. Smith will become a free agent in 2026.