Lions Interested in Aggressive Roster Move Before Season
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As the 2025 NFL season continues to draw closer, the Detroit Lions and head coach Dan Campbell again look to be a top-tier Super Bowl contender.
Last season, the Lions finished the year with the best record in football at 15-2. Unfortunately, that success did not translate into the playoffs.
In the Divisional Round of the postseason against the Washington Commanders, Detroit was eliminated by a final score of 45-31.
Executive vice president & general manager Brad Holmes of the Detroit Lions looks on prior to the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Tom Benson Hall of Fame...
Executive vice president & general manager Brad Holmes of the Detroit Lions looks on prior to the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on July 31, 2025 in Canton, Ohio. More
Photo bySitting throughout the entire offseason with that loss fresh in their minds has the team feeling motivated to get the 2025 season underway. Knowing Campbell, the Lions will be playing with a serious anger after coming up short in 2024.
Read more: Vikings' Kevin O'Connell Doesn't Hold Back in JJ McCarthy Message
While most major roster moves have already been made, Detroit is a team to keep an eye on. Brad Holmes, the team's general manager, has always been open to making aggressive moves to improve the roster.
Keeping that in mind, the Lions are still interested in making a big-time roster move before the start of the season.
Holmes spoke out recently and revealed that Detroit is still interested in a reunion with veteran pass rusher Za'Darius Smith. Even the Lions cut him earlier in the offseason, the two sides have remained connected as a possible fit before the season.
"Za'Darius did a lot of good things last year for us and we said we're going to keep in contact with his agent, but everything's not just one-sided," Holmes said.
"Za'Darius has expectations, the team has expectations, so sometimes it takes a while for those things to get on the same page. Especially a guy that's been in the league as long as he has, I'm not saying that he doesn't want to be in training ca, but if he misses some time, there's obviously still interest there and we've been keeping in touch."
Read more: Packers Suffer Brutal Injury Update Before Preseason Opener
Smith was a big addition ahead of the NFL trade deadline last year. He played in eight games with Detroit after the trade, racking up 12 total tackles, four sacks, and a defended pass. In the nine games he played with the Cleveland Browns before the trade, he totaled 23 tackles and five sacks.
Bringing Smith back would add quality depth off of the edge. In a division with dangerous offenses, getting to the quarterback is key. Smith could play a role right off the bat, but would be a crucial addition if the Lions face injury issues.
Expect to hear more about Smith in the near future. He's one of the best free agents available on the market and clearly Detroit is interested in bringing him back.
For more on the Detroit Lions and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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