Detroit Lions Urged to Make Huge Move for 69-Sack Pass Rusher

Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions saw their 2024 season come to an end in heartbreaking fashion. After earning the No. 1 seed in the NFC and being the best team in football during the regular season, the Lions were knocked off in their first playoff matchup by the Washington Commanders.

That hasn’t sat right with the team throughout the 2025 NFL offseason. Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Detroit is looking to get revenge.

Right now, the roster looks to be competitive once again. However, there is still room for the front office to improve the roster and give the team an even better chance at competing for a championship.

One area that could still use a little more help and depth is in the pass rushing department.

Detroit Lions Urged to Make Huge Move for 69-Sack Pass Rusher

To that end, the Lions have been urged once again to bring back a familiar face. A 69 career sack edge rusher has been named as the top potential target for Detroit.

Of course, that pass rusher is none other than Za’Darius Smith, who the team acquired from the Cleveland Browns before the 2024 NFL trade deadline.

Wendell Ferreira of A to Z Sports was the one who connected the Lions to Smith most recently.

“Right now, Marcus Davenport is projected to start opposite Aidan Hutchinson at defensive end for the Lions. That’s certainly not the ideal scenario for a Super Bowl contender,” Ferreira wrote. “Za’Darius was released from the Lions for contract reasons back in March, and the fact that he is still available proves that he can be a lower-cost move for Detroit at this point. Smith played eight games for the Lions last season after being acquired in an in-season trade with the Browns, and had four sacks. With Hutch back, Smith can be more efficient as a secondary edge option.”

After being acquired by Detroit last season, Smith played in eight games with the team. He recorded 12 total tackles, four sacks, and a defended pass.

Depending on the contract, the Lions should absolutely bring him back for the 2025 season. Smith is still a capable pass rusher and could come up big for Detroit next year if they decide to re-sign him.