A question that has lingered for the Lions fan base continues to be, "Will the Lions bring Za'Darius Smith back?" Many Lions fans have expressed concerns about the team's depth at defensive end following Detroit's release of Smith at the end of last season.

Smith was traded to the Lions at the deadline last season from the Cleveland Browns to fill in for injured defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. Smith was second on the team in 2024 with four sacks in eight games for Detroit last year. He lived in the opposing team's backfield, generating 40 quarterback pressures for the Honolulu Blue and Silver. Hutchinson led the team with seven and a half sacks in five games, leaving fans yearning to see the two paired up in 2025.

General Manager Brad Holmes signed a few edge rushers this offseason, including both rookies and some returning veterans from last season. When the initial 53-man roster came out last Tuesday, none of the new defensive ends were on the list, as the team currently has only three edge rushers on the roster.

Fun fact: Detroit's initial roster had 50 players instead of 53, sparking speculation about the addition of Smith in the coming days. Holmes has stated he's stayed in contact with Smith's agent this offseason.

However, that was not the case, as the Lions claimed defensive end Tyrus Wheat off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys and defensive tackle Tyler Lacy from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Detroit closed out its roster by claiming safety Thomas Harper from the Jaguars as well. Neither defensive lineman has the reputation or sack numbers of Smith.

There are speculations that the Lions have a handshake agreement with Smith to sign him after their week one matchup against the Green Bay Packers. This strategy is believed to save money for the franchise. Most contracts signed by players after the season begins are typically one-year minimum salary benefit deals. Smith is expected to make at least $1,255,000 in Detroit or wherever he signs in 2025. Additionally, most teams incorporate extra incentives into veteran contracts to enhance those deals.

Marcus Davenport re-signed with the Lions in the spring and has been the healthiest he has ever been during the offseason. However, the fan base remains skeptical about his ability to stay healthy. In 2024, he only played in two games before suffering a season-ending injury against the Arizona Cardinals in week three.

Since entering the league in 2018, the veteran defensive end has not completed a full season. He did, however, play a career-high 15 games in 2022 with the New Orleans Saints, which raises questions about why the Lions haven't brought in another veteran defensive end, such as Smith.

Smith has connections to the city of Detroit and the Lions. He is currently dating Detroit rapper Kash Doll, who recently wore Smith's Detroit Lions jersey with the number 99 during one of her performances. Additionally, Smith's nephew, wide receiver Jackson Meeks, had an impressive training camp and preseason with the Lions after signing as an undrafted free agent in the offseason. Jackson is now on the Lions' practice squad.

Both Lions fans and local Detroit sports media believe it would be a good idea for Detroit to re-sign Smith. He offers valuable veteran depth at a position of need. Additionally, since Smith is already familiar with the system, he wouldn’t require an extended ramp-up period. The key question remains: Will the Lions bring Smith back?