The free agency period in the NFL is a whirlwind of speculation, high-stakes negotiations, and often, unexpected twists. While the biggest names typically find new homes within the first few days, the saga of three-time Pro Bowl player Za’Darius Smith in the current 2025 offseason stands out as particularly incredible, and for the Detroit Lions, it’s reportedly transitioned from a potential reunion to a major headache.
Za’Darius Smith, a formidable edge rusher known for his relentless motor, power, and knack for getting to the quarterback, found himself a free agent once again after the Detroit Lions opted to release him prior to the 2025 NFL Draft. This move, a calculated salary cap maneuver that saved the Lions $5.75 million, was somewhat surprising given Smith’s solid contributions during his stint with the team in the latter half of the 2024 season. He was acquired by Detroit mid-season from the Cleveland Browns to bolster a defense ravaged by injuries, including a significant one to star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. In his eight regular-season games with the Lions, Smith tallied four sacks and provided a veteran presence that helped stabilize the defensive front during a crucial playoff push.
The reason this situation is so remarkable, and increasingly problematic for the Lions, is the lingering uncertainty surrounding Smith’s future. For a player of his caliber – a three-time Pro Bowler (2019, 2020, 2022) and a second-team All-Pro (2020) – to remain unsigned well into June, with training camp just weeks away, is highly unusual. Smith has accumulated 69 sacks and 10 forced fumbles over his career (as of the end of the 2024 season), demonstrating a consistent ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Even at 32 years old (he turns 33 in September 2025), he proved in 2024 that he still possesses the ability to push the pocket and be a factor in both run and pass defense.
The narrative surrounding Smith’s free agency has taken a fascinating turn in recent weeks, specifically concerning his desire to return to Detroit. Multiple reports, including one from Tyler Dragon of USA TODAY Sports, quoted Smith expressing a strong preference for a reunion with the Lions. “We both know where I want to be,” Smith stated. “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.”1 More recently, a video shared by Woodward Sports Network showed a fan asking Smith when he expected to sign with the Lions, to which Smith flashed a smile and simply replied, “Soon.”
This public courtship, initiated by Smith himself, has put the Lions in an interesting, and now, potentially uncomfortable position. On one hand, Za’Darius Smith clearly wants to be in Detroit, signaling a strong locker room fit and a belief in the team’s championship aspirations. He even mentioned that winning a championship is “the only thing that I’m missing” in his career, an appealing sentiment for a contending team. On the other hand, the Lions released him for a reason – primarily to create cap space. While they have a need for a rotational edge rusher, especially with Aidan Hutchinson returning from injury and the perennial health concerns surrounding Marcus Davenport, the financial parameters of a potential deal are critical.
The “headache” for the Lions stems from several factors:
- Public Expectation vs. Team Strategy: Smith’s public statements have created an expectation among fans that a reunion is imminent. This puts pressure on the Lions’ front office to make a move, even if it doesn’t perfectly align with their strategic financial or roster plans. If they don’t re-sign him, despite his clear desire to return, it could lead to questions from the fanbase.
- Market Value Discrepancy: It’s likely that Za’Darius Smith is still seeking a contract that reflects his Pro Bowl pedigree, or at least one closer to the $11.5 million average annual value of his previous deal with the Browns. The Lions, however, are operating within a tighter cap space post-draft and have invested heavily in other areas. They might be looking for a much more team-friendly deal, perhaps closer to a veteran minimum or a highly incentivized contract. This gap between player expectation and team offer is often why veterans linger in free agency.
- Age and Injury Concerns (from a team perspective): While Smith played all 17 games in 2024 (split between Browns and Lions), his injury history, particularly a significant back injury that sidelined him for most of 2021, is a consideration for any team looking to sign him. His age (32) also suggests a potential decline, even if he showed flashes of his old self last season. The Lions need reliable depth, and while Smith provides leadership and a high floor, a younger, more durable option might be preferred if the price is right.
- Impact on Young Players: The Lions drafted Ahmed Hassanein in the sixth round and have other young edge rushers on the roster. While Smith could be a mentor, bringing him back, especially on a deal that isn’t ideal, could potentially limit snaps for developing talent that the team wants to evaluate.
- Aidan Hutchinson’s Development: The Lions’ primary pass-rushing focus is on Aidan Hutchinson, who is expected to have a DPOY-caliber season. While Smith’s presence could theoretically help by drawing attention, the team’s depth and rotation strategy would need to be carefully managed to ensure Hutchinson maximizes his opportunities.
The “awful situation” isn’t necessarily that Smith is a bad player; it’s the awkwardness of a veteran star openly lobbying to return to a team that seemingly moved on, coupled with the team’s strategic financial constraints. For the Lions, the optimal outcome would be to secure Smith on a highly favorable, cost-effective deal that provides veteran depth without hindering their long-term cap flexibility or the development of younger players. If Smith is unwilling to accept such a deal, the “headache” will intensify as training camp approaches and the team is forced to move forward without a player who clearly wants to be there.
Za’Darius Smith’s free agency journey is a microcosm of the complexities of the modern NFL. It highlights the delicate balance between player value, team needs, salary cap management, and the human element of desire and loyalty. As training camps begin across the league, the question of where Za’Darius Smith will ultimately land, and whether he finally gets his wish to return to Detroit, remains one of the most compelling storylines of the 2025 offseason. For the Lions, navigating this public desire from a former star, while maintaining their strategic vision, is indeed a major headache they must resolve before the real battles begin on the field.
