Former Lions Player Makes a Splash at the BET Awards

The Detroit Lions, yes, are still without a star edge rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson. It’s something that they’ll need to take care of at some point, although general manager Brad Holmes doesn’t seem too stressed about the situation.

Last season, with Hutchison out, the Lions worked out a trade with the Cleveland Browns to bring defensive lineman Za’Darius Smith to the Motor City, and he seemed to fit right in. Smith was a guy the team really relied on throughout the remainder of the season, but he was let go from the team during the offseason and is still a free agent.

Smith quickly became a fan favorite for the Lions, and he seems to love Detroit. He’s even found love with Detroit rapper Kash Doll. Now, some comments Smith made at the 2025 BET Awards show that he may be more willing to cut a deal with the Lions than previously thought.

Ex-Lions Defensive Lineman Praises Detroit

Smith showed up at the BET Awards as a guest to his girlfriend, Kash Doll. While there, he was asked about where he wants to play next, and he made it clear that he wants to be in Detroit.

“We both know where I want to be,” he told told USA Today. “Hopefully I can get back to Detroit because the coaching staff and everybody in the front office are great. When I’m there I feel like a leader and like I can influence the young guys and do great things. Hopefully I can get back to where I want to be in Detroit.”

Holmes, seriously, why don’t you get on it? Smith is willing to work out a deal, and Detroit will need all the help it can get this coming season.

No Word on Why Detroit It’s Worried About Hole in Lineup

Holmes and the Lions have been tight-lipped on why they are really just relying on Hutchinson who, of course, is coming off a major injury. They snagged Ahmed Hassanein in the NFL draft, but he’s nowhere near the level of a guy like Smith. They also have Marcus Davenport, but again, it doesn’t make up for not having someone like Smith available.

Last year, the Lions sent the Browns a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick, and they got Smith and 2026 seventh-round pick. When the Lions acquired Smith from the Browns, head coach Dan Campbell told WJBK-TV Fox 2, via the Detroit Free Press, that Smith was “a total defensive end” who certainly “can get to the quarterback.”

“He brings an element of toughness, smart football player, can set an edge, can get an get an edge in rush, close the pocket down,” Campbell added. “He’s just a really good complementary piece that I think is going to work well with our guys.”

You know what else would make Smith in Detroit a great thing for the Lions? We’ve never seen the duo of Smith with Hutchinson, and that would be a real treat. Smith produced 12 tackles, four sacks and 40 pressures in eight games with the Detroit Lions in 2024 without Hutchinson. The Lions’ defense is looking strong as the season approaches, but adding Smith would make it pretty airtight.