The Lions were riding high on Super Bowl hopes last year. HC Dan Campbell and his staff made every change possible to bring in talented players. The mid-season saw 10-season veteran ZaDarius Smith playing for them. In 8 games (7 starters), he recorded 1 defended pass, 4 sacks, 10 QB Hits, and 12 tackles (7 solo). It was one of the best performances and everyone thought they will extend his stay at the franchise. Alas, the Lions ran short of money and backed out. The DE was released in the free agency.
The player is using the off-season time to celebrate Easter with his family. He shared photos on Instagram with his son and daughter while having a meal. In one photo, he was clicked with a pigskin, showing his commitment to the game, despite being an unsigned free agent. But there was another photo that turned heads. He wore the Lions jersey while enjoying his time with the family.
Is that the sign of homecoming? Is Dan Campbell hiding something from fans? Overall, in 10 seasons, ZaDarius Smith has played 140 games (96 starters) with 10 defended passes, 69 sacks, 173 QB Hits, and 333-tackle (220 solo). Last year, he made only $605k after signing with Lions mid-season despite the initial $1.5 million amount. If the Lions kept him on the roster on the 3rd day of the 2025 season, he would have made $8.99 million. Alas, nothing happened.
Za’Darius Smith as of this morning, is still wearing Detroit Lions team merchandise
Possibly a sign of good news coming soon? pic.twitter.com/Un7xYERwXp
— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔇𝔢𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔦𝔱 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 (@the_det_times) April 20, 2025
If the Lions keep ignoring the DE, he could move back to the team which originally drafted him. Baltimore Ravens! They drafted him in the 4th round (122nd overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft. Rumors were strong last month in March that he could move to the AFC team. But those murmurs have gone silent.
As teams approach the NFL Draft, just 5 days away, the GM Brad Holmes is making the perfect strategy. They want to make a roster that can perform under pressure.
Dan Campbell should resign his free agent
A few days ago, during the NFL annual meeting, the Lions GM revealed they were in contact with the DE’s agent. But he also accepted that the comeback path was still undecided. The situation worsened early this year when they required the DE to take a pay cut. But the DE chose the high road. My way or highway!
Source: Brad Holmes’ Instagram
Now, he is unsigned. And the Lions also need some veteran to fill his shoes. Responsibility lies on Dan Campbell as fans want them to go all-in again this year. Pro Football Focus ranked him in the top 10 DEs with 63 pressures. So, it’s not like there is any dearth of talent. It’s all in there!
However, the GM broke any impending hopes by announcing the no-contract situation after the annual meeting. If they bring him back before the draft, it will help them select new players. Moreover, even if they draft a college player, they will have to develop him to be up to mark for the NFL caliber. ZaDarius Smith also expressed his wish to stay with Lions. Will their fates converge and become one? It’s a matter of destiny.
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