The Lions had high hopes for a Super Bowl run last season. Head coach Dan Campbell and his staff made every effort to strengthen the roster with talented additions. Midway through the season, they brought in 10-year veteran Za’Darius Smith. Over 8 games (starting in 7), Smith delivered an impressive performance—posting 1 pass defended, 4 sacks, 10 QB hits, and 12 tackles (7 solo). His impact made many believe the team would retain him. Unfortunately, financial constraints forced the Lions to step back, and Smith hit the free agency market.
Here’s a paraphrased and polished version of that with a slightly dramatic, sports-media tone:
Za’Darius Smith is making the most of his offseason, celebrating Easter with his family. He recently shared heartwarming Instagram photos featuring his son and daughter at a family meal. In one shot, he’s seen holding a pigskin — a subtle nod to his ongoing dedication to the game, even as an unsigned free agent. But it was another image that really caught fans’ attention: Smith sporting a Lions jersey while relaxing with loved ones.
Could this be a hint at a return to Detroit? Is Dan Campbell keeping something under wraps?
Over his 10-year NFL career, Smith has played in 140 games (96 starts), racking up 10 passes defended, 69 sacks, 173 QB hits, and 333 tackles (220 solo). Last season, he joined the Lions mid-year, earning just $605K from what was initially a $1.5 million deal. Had the team retained him through the third day of the 2025 season, Smith would’ve earned $8.99 million — but that payday never came.
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Here’s a clean and paraphrased version with a bit of intrigue:
If the Lions continue to overlook Za’Darius Smith, a reunion with the team that originally drafted him — the Baltimore Ravens — might still be on the table. Selected in the fourth round (122nd overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft, Smith could find his way back to Baltimore. Just last month, rumors were swirling about a potential return to the AFC North contender, but that buzz has since quieted.
With the NFL Draft just five days away, Lions GM Brad Holmes is deep into crafting the ideal strategy. His goal: to build a roster capable of thriving under pressure and delivering when it matters most.
Here’s a sharper, paraphrased version with a punchy tone:
Dan Campbell should seriously consider re-signing his free agent pass rusher.
Just a few days ago at the NFL Annual Meeting, Lions GM Brad Holmes admitted they’d been in touch with Za’Darius Smith’s agent. However, he also made it clear that a return was far from guaranteed. Things took a turn earlier this year when the team asked Smith to accept a pay cut — a move that didn’t sit well. Instead of backing down, the veteran defensive end stood firm: it was his way or the highway.
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Here’s a strong, paraphrased version that keeps the intensity and fan-focused tone:
Now, Za’Darius Smith remains unsigned — and the Lions are still searching for a veteran presence to fill the void he left. The pressure is on Dan Campbell, especially with fans expecting the team to go all-in once again this season.
Smith isn’t just another name on the market. Pro Football Focus ranked him among the top 10 defensive ends last year with 63 pressures — proof that the talent is still very much there. It’s not a question of ability; it’s a question of making the right move. The clock’s ticking.
Here’s a refined and dramatic version with a strong narrative flow:
However, any lingering hope took a hit when GM Brad Holmes shut down contract speculation after the NFL Annual Meeting, confirming that no deal was in place. Still, if the Lions were to bring Za’Darius Smith back before the draft, it could provide valuable clarity — allowing them to target rookies without the pressure of immediately filling a veteran-sized hole.
Even if they draft a young edge rusher, it’ll take time to mold him into someone who can deliver at an NFL level. Meanwhile, Smith has already proven he can do just that — and more. Not to mention, he’s publicly expressed his desire to stay in Detroit.
So the question remains: will the Lions and Za’Darius Smith find their way back to each other? Only time — and perhaps destiny — will tell.