Almost done deal:Lions to Sign $42 Million Defensive End in Edge Rush ‘Overhaul’

Lions Urged to Sign $42 Million Defensive End in Edge Rush ‘Overhaul’ 

The Detroit Lions’ defense improved significantly in 2023, though their pass rush was often inconsistent.

With the Lions expected to overhaul their edge-rushing corps this offseason, USA Today’s Jeff Risdon believes a three-

time Pro Bowler would be a logical addition as a counterpart to standout Aidan Hutchinson. Risdon suggested that former Cleveland Browns edge rusher

Za’Darius Smith could be a “under-the-radar” addition to replace some of the veteran leadership the Lions will lose this offseason.

Risdon predicted that the Lions’ pass-rushing group will undergo significant changes this offseason, with some veterans expected to leave in free agency.

“With the Lions overhauling the EDGE position—Julian Okwara is already in Philadelphia, and both his brother Romeo and Charles Harris are free

agents—the Lions could be in the market for a more productive veteran looking for one more shot at a Super Bowl. Risdon wrote, “That’s Smith.”

However, Smith could be a valuable addition to a team that has struggled to find a consistent pass rusher opposite Hutchinson. Hutchinson, a second-year

player, recorded 11.5 sacks, accounting for nearly 30% of the team total. No other player had more than five sacks for the year.

Smith could provide the consistency that the rest of the unit lacked, according to Risdon. “Although Smith, now 33, may not be the same Pro Bowler he was with

the Packers a few years ago, he remains an effective pass rusher who can disrupt plays in the backfield while maintaining positional discipline,” Risdon explained.

Despite signing a lucrative three-year, $42-million contract with the Minnesota Vikings two years ago, Smith joined the Browns last year on a more affordable

one-year, $10.5-million deal. With the Lions making moves on defense, including signing Canadian Football League standout Mathieu Betts, who

recorded 18 sacks in 18 games for the B.C. Lions last year, the team is looking for players who fit their high-energy and high-motor style, according to Betts’

agent, Sasha Ghavami. Ghavami noted that Betts chose Detroit over other NFL teams because of the fit and opportunity to showcase his abilities in the league.

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