The Detroit Lions are open to bringing back All-Pro edge rusher ZaDarius Smith this offseason. The NFL Draft is weeks away and there probably won’t be any more free-agent signings until it’s over, but Smith could sign very soon. According to a report, Lions general manager Brad Holmes said it was unfortunate that the team had to release Smith, but they had to save their salary cap this offseason. However, it doesn’t rule out a return as it will depend on what the Lions need, so waiting until the NFL Draft is over could be a smart decision for most teams.
Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the former Kentucky product began his career with the Baltimore Ravens, playing out his rookie contract before joining the Green Bay Packers in 2019 on another four-year deal. Smith had one year left on that before the Packers decided to release him where the edge rusher did return to Baltimore but decided to opt out of the contract to sign with the Vikings. The veteran became a journeyman, but he’s still a reliable pass rusher in the league after joining the Browns, but later signing on a temporary contract with the Lions.
Smith was a replacement in Aidan Hutchinson’s brutal injury, and it makes sense why the Lions were moving on either way since Hutchinson is returning. There would be no use in Smith, but he might return at the right offer. However, they may have to act fast because these two teams could intervene in those potential negotiation talks.
REPORT: Lions Open to Bringing Back All-Pro ZaDarius Smith – Chargers, Ravens Could Intervene
Jim Harbaugh’s Philosophy
Last season, the Los Angeles Chargers had one of the best pass defenses in the league, but the same can’t be said about stopping the run. Poona Ford was their best rusher in this unit other than Khalil Mack, but Ford is no longer with the team, in a surprise, even though the Chargers had the cap space for it. It’s concerning that for a head coach like Jim Harbaugh and his “trenches” mindset, he hasn’t made any exploding moves in free agency. Despite signing Da’Shawn Hand, he won’t be getting the job done to get the sacks the team is looking for out of a defender attempting to get after the quarterback.
With Joey Bosa in Buffalo, the Chargers have plenty of room for improvement. Los Angeles could consider signing Smith for immediate relief, as no matter where he goes, he never fails to make an impact. This could be Mack’s last season in the league, so they should get the best out of him, and pairing him with Smith might be what’s best for this pass-rushing unit.
Back to Baltimore?
The same can be said about the Baltimore Ravens this offseason. The team has been silent on adding any capable defenders to improve its defense. Last off-season, the Ravens lost Jadeveon Clowney, and now Malik Harrison, to the Steelers this year. While they have one of the best offenses, they can’t ignore the defense.
Kyle Van Noy is entering the final year of his contract, and he isn’t getting any younger. Perhaps they could reunite with Smith to give this defense some relief and familiarity. It won’t be the perfect reunion, but Smith is still capable of getting after the quarterback like Baltimore wants.
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