The Detroit Lions have a major concern at one of the most important positions in the NFL.
After a lackluster showing from the pass-rush last year, the Lions find themselves in a precarious spot along the edge in 2025. Aidan Hutchinson remains an elite talent, but he's also coming off a serious injury.
Even with Hutchinson only playing in five games last season, he still led the team in sacks with 7.5, which spells out just how bad Detroit's situation is currently.
Making matters worse, the Lions no longer have Za'Darius Smith, who was cut, and are depending on an injury-prone Marcus Davenport and a rookie in Ahmed Hassanein to pick up the slack.
With Smith still available in free agency, the door remains open for a reunion. Pro Football and Sports Network's Brandon Austin predicts the two sides will indeed reunite ahead of the regular season.
Smith played in just eight regular-season games for the Lions, but he made an immediate impact, recording four sacks and 36 pressures. His 17.8% pressure rate ranked second on the team behind only Aidan Hutchinson, who played just five games in 2024.
The Lions’ defense has preferred bigger edge rushers under Dan Campbell. First-rounder Tyleik Williams bolstered the interior of the defensive line, but Smith’s ability to slide inside on passing downs only boosts the Lions’ overall pass rush flexibility. Considering Hutchinson is coming off a season-ending injury, retaining a proven and productive player like Smith would be wise.
Smith proved to be a valuable addition for Detroit in 2024, with the 32-year-old tallying four sacks in eight games. While he can't carry a pass-rush, Smith is a fantastic player to complement Hutchinson.
A reunion between the two sides will depend on what Smith is looking for in money. After all, general manager Brad Holmes has already admitted the Lions can't afford the $11 million or so Smith was set to make.
That means Smith's asking price will either have to come down, or the Lions will have to budge on their stance and find a way to pay Smith what he wants.
With Super Bowl aspirations, there is just no way the Lions can enter the season with the edge rusher group they currently have. Ultimately, we believe Smith and Detroit will find some common ground and get a deal done.
MORE DETROIT LIONS NEWS
Dan Campbell has strong message for doubters ahead of crucial season
Lions may have early favorite for starting left guard spot
Lions fans charged with being among most foul-mouthed in NFL
Eagles free agent pitch replaces Bryce Huff with former $42 million Lions EDGE