Free-agent pass rusher Za'Darius Smith is holding out hope of returning to Detroit.
The Lions cut the veteran edge rusher earlier this year in a cap-saving move. Smith has lingered on the free agent market and remains one of the top players still available as we wind down the offseason workouts.
"We both know where I want to be," Smith told Tyler Dragon of USA TODAY Sports. "Hopefully I can get back to Detroit because the coaching staff and everybody in the front office are great. When I'm there, I feel like a leader and like I can influence the young guys and do great things. Hopefully, I can get back to where I want to be in Detroit."
The Lions acquired the edge midway through last season after injuries sapped their defense. In eight regular-season games, Smith generated four sacks, 12 tackles and one pass defensed. Even at 32 years old, the veteran can still push the pocket and is solid against the run.
Smith profiles as a rotational veteran who can set the edge and provide leadership. The former Ravens, Packers, Vikings, Browns and Lions pass rusher is hoping to get another shot to chase a ring.
"I'm going into Year 11. As a veteran, (a championship) is the only thing that I'm missing," said Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler and one-time second-team All-Pro. "I did the sacks, All-Pro, Pro Bowl, so it's really just me getting a ring now and winning a championship."
The Lions continue to have a need at edge rusher. Aidan Hutchinson's recovery is going well, and Detroit brought back the injury-prone Marcus Davenport but didn't draft a pass rusher until Ahmed Hassanein in the sixth round. A rotational edge like Smith would make sense to add at some point.
With the bulk of NFL clubs holding minicamps this week, veterans still on the market will likely wait until closer to training camp to find out where they might play in 2025. It's also possible some might be forced to wait until after Week 1 when veteran salaries are no longer guaranteed.
