33-yo ex-Lions star predicted to land back in Detroit after Eagles move
August 10, 2017 - Baltimore, Maryland, U.S - Ravens outside linebacker ZADARIUS SMITH (90) pumps up the crowd during the game held at M & T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. NFL American Football Herren USA 2017: Baltimore Ravens 23-3 Washington Redskins - ZUMAs146 20170810_zap_s146_042 Copyright: xAmyxSandersonx
August 10, 2017 - Baltimore, Maryland, U.S - Ravens outside linebacker ZADARIUS SMITH (90) pumps up the crowd during the game held at M & T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. NFL American Football Herren USA 2017: Baltimore Ravens 23-3 Washington Redskins - ZUMAs146 20170810_zap_s146_042 Copyright: xAmyxSandersonx
One surprising prediction has linked the Detroit Lions with veteran edge rusher Za'Darius Smith, who stepped away from football after a stint with the Philadelphia Eagles.
“Perhaps unhappy with his role in Philadelphia, the three-time Pro Bowler called it a career at just 33 years old,” wrote Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox. “The caveat here is that Smith is essentially a free agent. The Eagles released him from the reserve/retired list just last month, meaning he could unretire and sign with any team he chooses.”
Smith abruptly announced his retirement midway through the 2025 season after playing just five games with the franchise. Following his placement on the reserve/retired list, the Eagles formally released him this June, leaving him as a true free agent.
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Dave Shopland/BPI/Shutterstock 10378112ae David Montgomery, Running Back of Chicago Bears 32, is tackled by ZaDarius Smith, Linebacker of Green Bay Packers 55 and Adrian Amos, Safety of Green Bay Packers 31 Green Bay Packers v Chicago Bears, NFL, American Football Herren, USA American Football, Soldier Field, Chicago, USA - 05 Sep 2019 Green Bay Packers v Chicago Bears, NFL, American Football, Soldier Field, Chicago, USA - 05 Sep 2019 PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTXHUNxGRExMLTxCYPxROMxBULxUAExKSAxONLY Copyright: xDavexShopland/BPI/Shutterstockx 10378112ae
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Dave Shopland/BPI/Shutterstock 10378112ae David Montgomery, Running Back of Chicago Bears 32, is tackled by ZaDarius Smith, Linebacker of Green Bay Packers 55 and Adrian Amos, Safety of Green Bay Packers 31 Green Bay Packers v Chicago Bears, NFL, American Football Herren, USA American Football, Soldier Field, Chicago, USA - 05 Sep 2019 Green Bay Packers v Chicago Bears, NFL, American Football, Soldier Field, Chicago, USA - 05 Sep 2019 PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTXHUNxGRExMLTxCYPxROMxBULxUAExKSAxONLY Copyright: xDavexShopland/BPI/Shutterstockx 10378112ae
"While a few edge-rushers remain available as free agents—including Jadeveon Clowney, Von Miller and Joey Bosa—we would love to see Smith become an option for a contender," wrote Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox. "The main reason is the fact that Smith can likely still play at a pretty high level."
Smith has experience with the Lions' system after he joined the team in the 2024 season, playing eight games with the franchise that year.
The three-time Pro Bowler has played for the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, Lions, and Eagles during his career.
Across 11 seasons, he has recorded 343 tackles, 70.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, and 16 pass deflections. His talent to pressure the QBs has made him one of the league's most productive veteran edge defenders.
Detroit already has Aidan Hutchinson, who is coming off a dominant 2025 season that included 14.5 sacks, 35 QB hits, and four forced fumbles. They are still searching for a reliable complementary pass rusher after offseason departures.
However, Smith's chances of joining Detroit are possible as he is released from the Eagles' reserve/retired list.
With training camp approaching, the Lions' projected 53-man roster continues to start debates. One of the biggest surprises comes at wide receiver, where Detroit may opt to keep fewer players than expected.
Lions' analyst predicts 53-man roster of Detroit with just four receivers
Mike Payton of A to Z Sports believes the Lions can head into the season with just four receivers on the active roster.
"I’ve got the Lions carrying just four receivers: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, and Greg Dortch," wrote Mike Payton of A to Z Sports. "I know that sounds crazy, but I just can’t find a spot for a fifth guy."
Tom Kennedy is just a practice squad player, while Malik Cunningham offers potential because of his QB background. Payton doesn't trust that versatility is enough to earn the spot.
Dominic Lovett, as a special teams gunner, is also not sufficient after the Lions drafted Kendrick Law. The veteran Cedric Wilson was impressed during OTAs and minicamp, but remains a dark-horse candidate to make the roster.
Payton made it clear that none of the new UFL additions are making it in his projection. What are your views on the return of Smith to Detroit? Let us know in the comments!
Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!
Written by
Hetal Moleshri
Edited by
Shubhi Rathore