Veteran free agent defensive end ZaDarius Smith reportedly as interest to return to the Detroit Lions. According to reports, Smith wants to come back and win a possible championship with one of the best defenders, Aidan Hutchinson, since he knows that he can help him. Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the former Kentucky product was a depth replacement for Hutchinson’s absence after suffering a season-ending injury last year. He had a chance to return in this year’s Super Bowl, but after their brutal loss against the Washington Commanders, it didn’t happen the way they wanted to.
Smith still had one more year in his current deal that he had with the Cleveland Browns before his trade to the Lions during the 2024 campaign, but the Lions couldn’t afford it. The Lions are not closing the door on the veteran, and he will probably get a one-year contract at a cheap rate, if anything, if they decide to offer him a new deal. After posting 35 tackles and nine sacks in 16 starts between the Browns and Lions, he clearly has a lot in the tank to show for teams that are looking for a capable veteran in their defensive unit. While the Lions could re-sign him to a new deal, it won’t be the only team that will pursue him, as these other teams could bring him in for a possible visit.
Report: Veteran Free Agent Zadarius Smith Wants to Return to Lions – Ravens, Chargers Likely to Intervene
Bolstering Baltimore
Last season, the Baltimore Ravens had one of the worst years when it came to their defensive pass-rush. After losing Patrick Queen and Jadeveon Clowney in one offseason, the Ravens had to figure out how to roll the dice on their younger guys like Trenton Simpson, Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo. However, they need some explosiveness in their trenches unit to give the linebacker department a break towards the middle and get after the quarterback. Between Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones and Broderick Washington, Smith could not only provide a veteran presence but also some stability to help Madubuike turn this defense from good to great.
While the Ravens always do exceptionally well offensively, they must continue building a capable old defense team that has their eyes on the prize. Following Michael Pierce’s retirement, the Ravens haven’t done much to do that other than signing a journeyman like John Jenkins. Smith is the clear answer if they don’t re-sign Clowney, since he’s still a free agent, and could bolster this unit back to their 2023 self.
Jim in the Trenches
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh loves to win football games with an old-school physical defense. However, after losing Poona Ford and Morgan Fox in one offseason, it’s going to be hard to do that. Khalil Mack is still the best pass-rusher on this roster, but he can’t single-handedly play everyone’s role. Teair Tart will have to figure out how to survive with Ford’s assistance, but they could give themselves a fighting chance by signing Smith.
He won’t be perfect, but the Chargers have enough cap space to make this defense into the old-school style they want, and that’s what Smith represents when chopping down offensive linemen to get after the signal-caller.
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