The calls for the Detroit Lions to bring back Za’Darius Smith have been loud all offseason. Fans still remember the impact he made after the team traded for him last year, and with the 2025 season about to kick off, many believe he could once again be the perfect complement to Aidan Hutchinson on the edge.
But head coach Dan Campbell isn’t biting.
Campbell Confident in Current Depth
Asked on 97.1 The Ticket why the team hasn’t signed Smith, Campbell made it clear: Detroit likes the group it has.
“We’re good right now,” Campbell said as quoted by Lions OnSI. “I mean, we’re pretty good here. We’ve got (Marcus) Davenport, we got good depth. I like what we got interior, too. We got a lot of flexibility and we’re still pretty good right now, so we’re ready to go, man.”
It’s not the answer fans were hoping for, especially given Davenport’s durability concerns. But Campbell has long been a coach who values continuity and player development, and his words show full confidence in the defensive line as currently constructed.
Is Za’Darius Smith a Need?
Personally, I am not remotely surprised that the Lions have not signed Za’Darius Smith. At this point in his career, Smith still has some pass-rushing ability, but when it comes to stopping the run, he is unproductive. Because of that, Smith is no longer a three-down EDGE, which means he would be a backup to Marcus Davenport.
Now, if Davenport goes down with an injury, then all bets are off, and the Lions could bring Smith back. That said, barring some injuries to the Lions’ starting EDGE rushers, I don’t see them having much interest in Za’Darius Smith.
The Bigger Picture
For now, the Lions are rolling into Week 1 with Hutchinson as their anchor and Davenport set to line up opposite him. Behind them is a rotation the coaching staff feels comfortable with, one Campbell insists has the flexibility to hold up over a long season.
Whether or not Smith’s name resurfaces later this fall remains to be seen. But for now, Campbell’s message is clear: Detroit’s defensive line is set.
Leave a Comment