While we always hate to doubt Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes, who has a strong track record when it comes to personnel decisions, we simply can't ignore the Lions not adding an edge rusher earlier than they did in the draft.
Despite being widely expected to spring for an edge rusher early in the 2025 NFL draft given their dire need opposite Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions instead opted to forego taking a player at the position until all the way in the sixth round, when Detroit drafted Boise State EDGE Ahmed Hassanein.
Safe to say, a sixth-round rookie is not an adequate solution for the Lions at one of the most important positions on defense, and one that could make or break Detroit's Super Bowl hopes in 2025.
After not properly taking care of the EDGE spot in the draft this year, Pro Football Network's Sterling Xie has predicted the Lions will reunite with veteran edge rusher Za'Darius Smith.
Smith is an ideal fit for a Lions defense that has preferred bigger edge rushers under Dan Campbell. And while the interior looks better with first-rounder Tyleik Williams in tow, Smith’s versatility to kick inside on passing downs only enhances Detroit’s pass-rushing potential.
The Lions cut Smith earlier this offseason, with Holmes admitting the team simply could not afford him. While the team has not closed the door on a reunion, one can assume Smith would have to be willing to take less than the $11 million or so he was slated to make in 2025 before being released.
There was renewed hope in the wake of the draft that a reunion could be imminent after the Lions signed Smith's nephew, wide receiver Jackson Meeks, to a hefty undrafted free agent deal.
However, several days have passed and Smith remains on the open market. And, we wouldn't expect him to be available for much longer, so the Lions must pounce as soon as possible if they want to bring him back.
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