Lions Poised to Make Move for Za’Darius Smith, Says NFL Insider
As the Detroit Lions gear up for the 2025 NFL season, the front office is focused on bolstering their defense in a significant way. According to several NFL insiders, the team is actively pursuing a trade for veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith. The move would represent a major step in Detroit’s ongoing efforts to strengthen their roster and establish themselves as legitimate contenders in the NFC.
Smith, 31, is a seasoned pass rusher with an impressive track record of success. His reputation as one of the league’s top edge rushers has been solidified by multiple Pro Bowl selections and consistent double-digit sack seasons. He has proven his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks, and with a defense that still needs some fine-tuning, adding a player of his caliber could be a game-changer for the Lions.
Smith is a name that has been floated around in trade discussions throughout the offseason. After spending the last few seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, he could be on the move once again. For Detroit, acquiring a player like Smith would not only help shore up their defensive front but also give them the kind of veteran leadership and explosive pass-rushing ability that is often required to compete at the highest level.
A Proven Pass Rusher with a Track Record of Success
Za’Darius Smith’s pedigree as a premier pass rusher is undeniable. Over the course of his career, he has consistently been one of the most disruptive forces along the defensive line. Smith’s career began with the Baltimore Ravens, but it was his move to the Green Bay Packers in 2019 that truly marked the start of his rise as one of the NFL’s most dangerous edge rushers. He recorded a career-high 13.5 sacks in his first season with the Packers, and followed that up with a strong 12.5 sack campaign in 2020, earning Pro Bowl honors in both years.
After a brief stint with the Minnesota Vikings, where he continued to produce at a high level, Smith finds himself in the trade market once again. Known for his ability to get to the quarterback in critical moments, Smith has consistently been a player that opposing offenses have had to account for. His blend of power, speed, and technique makes him a tough matchup for any offensive tackle.
Detroit’s defense, while improving in recent seasons, still lacks a consistent pass rusher who can take over games. The addition of Smith could give the Lions a dynamic force off the edge, one who can complement rising stars like Aidan Hutchinson and provide a much-needed spark to a defense that often struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Detroit’s Defensive Needs and the Potential Impact of Smith
Over the past few years, the Lions have shown promise, but they have often been held back by a defense that has failed to consistently put pressure on the quarterback. Despite the presence of talented players like Hutchinson, who had a breakout rookie season, Detroit’s defensive line has often lacked the depth and consistency needed to be truly elite.
The addition of a player like Smith would help address these concerns. While Hutchinson has shown great potential, the Lions lack a true second option that can consistently get to the quarterback and create havoc in the backfield. Smith would provide that complementary piece, giving the Lions a formidable pass-rushing duo that could wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.
Smith’s ability to create pressure on his own would open up more opportunities for Hutchinson to attack the quarterback as well. Having two dynamic pass rushers would force opposing offenses to make quick decisions, ultimately resulting in more sacks, forced fumbles, and turnovers. This is crucial for a team that will be looking to compete for an NFC North title and make a deep playoff run.
Additionally, Smith’s veteran presence would be invaluable in a defensive unit that features a mix of young talent and emerging players. His leadership and experience would be a boon for players like Hutchinson and rookie defensive backs who are still developing their skills. Smith’s success at multiple stops throughout his career would allow him to mentor and guide the Lions’ defensive players, helping them elevate their own game.
A Necessary Move for Detroit’s Playoff Hopes
The Lions’ front office has made it clear that they are committed to building a roster capable of competing for a playoff berth, and potentially challenging for a division title. In an NFC North that is becoming increasingly competitive, Detroit needs to make moves to keep pace with teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers.
A trade for Za’Darius Smith would be an important step in that direction. While the Lions have plenty of talent on offense, with quarterback Jared Goff leading the charge and a dangerous group of weapons like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, their defense has still been a point of concern. The addition of Smith would immediately make their defense more formidable, especially when it comes to pressuring opposing quarterbacks and stifling offenses in critical moments.
Given the overall balance the Lions now have on their roster, the team is starting to look like a serious contender in the NFC. They have shown that they can compete with some of the best teams in the league, but in order to take that next step, they need to shore up their defense. With a proven pass rusher like Smith on the edge, Detroit could find themselves in a much stronger position to not only secure a playoff spot but also make a legitimate push for the NFC North crown.
What the Trade Could Look Like
While the specifics of the trade are still unclear, insiders suggest that the Lions are offering significant compensation to secure Smith’s services. The team is reportedly working on a deal that would allow them to add a player of Smith’s caliber to the roster without sacrificing too much in terms of future assets.
Given Smith’s age and contract situation, it’s likely that the trade would include a combination of draft picks and potentially a player or two. The Lions have a relatively solid draft position and would be willing to part with a high-round pick if it means adding a player who can immediately contribute to their playoff aspirations.
The Vikings, who are reportedly open to moving Smith, would likely be looking for assets that can help them in the future. Given the relatively short-term window that Smith has left in his career, the trade might not be as expensive as some other blockbuster deals, but it still has the potential to be a game-changer for Detroit.
The Lions’ Path Forward
For Lions fans, the potential addition of Za’Darius Smith is an exciting prospect. The team has made significant strides in recent years, and now they are looking to take that next step. With the right moves in free agency and trade, the Lions could find themselves in the thick of the NFC playoff race, with a defense that can compete with the league’s best.
In the coming weeks, as the trade talks continue to progress, fans will be eagerly watching to see if Smith becomes a Lion. If he does, the Lions’ defensive front will be more dangerous than ever, and Detroit will officially be one of the top contenders in the NFC. If this trade goes through, it could be the missing piece the Lions need to reach new heights and potentially make a deep run in the postseason.
