By comparison with the Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, and Chicago Bears, the Detroit Lions had a relatively quiet first week of free agency. Lions GM Brad Holmes focused on re-signing current players instead of shelling out tens of millions of dollars to acquire outside talent.

The Detroit Lions Most Surprising Free Agency Move

It was a smart move. While other teams had holes to fill through free agency, last year the Lions were one of the NFL’s top teams. Detroit didn’t have many coverage gaps. Even with all the injuries, the team still had a record season. Making sure to retain the players responsible for a 15-2 record and the NFC North Division title was the key priority.

However, in addition to focusing on his internal candidates, Holmes did sign several free agents. The experts were quick to praise  Holmes for his acquisition of cornerback D.J. Reed, nose tackle Roy Lopez and linebacker Grant Stuard. According to expert analysis, all three individuals fulfilled the team needs and fit the Lion’s player profile.

Next, Holmes brought in two more players to increase positional depth. Veteran quarterback Kyle Allen is a reliable backup with experience playing for five different NFL teams. He’s recorded 4,753 yards, 26 touchdowns and 21 interceptions with a career passer rating of 82.3%. With 19 career starts under his belt, Allen could step in when needed. He could also help mentor Hendon Hooker.

But in a surprise move, Holmes next acquired the Jets backup tight end, Kenny Yeboah. With Sam LaPorta locked in as TE1 and Brock Wright as a solid TE2, Yeboah’s acquisition was unexpected. But on closer examination, it could make sense.

A Surprise Free Agency Acquisition For The Lions 

After playing football at Temple, Yeboah transferred in his senior year to Ole Miss where he set a school record for the most receiving yards by a tight end with seven catches for 181 yards and two touchdowns. Signing with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in May 2021, Yeboah was waived the following August.  Re-signed to their practice squad the next day, Yeboah appeared in his first NFL game in October 2021.  By November, he was elevated to the 53-man roster.

Serving primarily as a kickoff specialist for the Jets special teams unit, Yeboah had only two career starts with the Jets. But in his second game playing on offense, Yeboah recorded two receptions for 36 yards. However, during his first two years, he bounced back and forth between injured reserve and the active roster after injuring his hamstring.  

He recorded nine receptions for 111 yards and one touchdown in his four years in New York but Yeboah earned most of those receptions in the last two years. In 2024, he had five receptions for 47 yards along with a two-yard touchdown catch in week 11. With roughly half his total receptions and more than 42% of his yardage coming in the last year would suggest that Yeboah is only beginning to develop his skills.    

What Yeboah’s Signing Means for Detroit

One reason the partnership between Holmes and Dan Campbell is so strong is because they share a similar mindset, particularly when it comes to evaluating players. Holmes has a genius ability for spotting underrated talent. As a former tight end, Campbell knows what characterizes a good player at that position. It’s not hard to believe these two see untapped potential in Yeboah. 

Also at 6′ 4″ and a sturdy 250 pounds, Yeboah could prove extremely useful as a blocking tight end. One of the things distinguishing Dan Campbell’s offense is how his receivers and running backs block for each other. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Tim Patrick, and David Montgomery aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty throwing a key block to open up a lane for a targeted teammate. They understand that disrupting the defense is just another part of their job. 

It will be interesting to see how Yeboah develops this season wearing a Lions uniform. Will he be used exclusively on special teams, or will he become a terrific tight end? Yeboah has a great opportunity to prove himself with one of the most exciting teams in the NFL.

  Main Photo: [Brad Penner] – USA Today Sports

The post The Detroit Lions Most Surprising Free Agency Move appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

After a relatively quiet week, the Detroit Lions set off a flurry of activity on Wednesday, re-signing key personnel and picking up Grant Stuard in free agency. 

Lions’ Next Steps Following Busy Day Of Free Agency

Lions General Manager Brad Holmes is busy extending the contracts of several key players whose contracts were up for renewal. Earlier this week, Holmes ensured that linebackers Derrick Barnes and Zeke Turner, along with defensive lineman Marcus Davenport, and tackle Dan Skipper remain in Detroit. On Wednesday, the Lions re-signed defensive linemen Levi Onwuzurike and Myles Adams, along with running back / special teams player Craig Reynolds.

Earlier today it was reported Trevor Nowaske and Anthony Pittman have been extended.  Holmes also came to an agreement with his third free agency acquisition.    

Grant Stuard -Newest Lions Free Agent

A four-year veteran and former seventh-round draft pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Stuard spent the last three years with the Indianapolis Colts. In addition to playing linebacker with 40 total tackles (18 solo) and two tackles for a loss, he saw action as a special teams player with 342 special teams snaps last year. Easing his transition to Detroit, Stuard is reuniting with a familiar face in former Buccaneers coach, Kacy Rodgers.

“He’s a guy that comes in every day and works his tail off,” Colts head coach Shane Steichen said of Stuard, a year ago. “And he got his opportunity and made the most of it.” 

Lions Free Agency Losses

Holmes got high marks for acquiring former New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed and Arizona Cardinals nose tackle Roy Lopez in free agency. However, as expected, several former Lions players departed Detroit for bigger offers elsewhere. Carlton Davis and Kevin Zeitler accepted offers earlier this week. Yesterday, Kindle Vildor agreed to a one-year deal with Tampa Bay and the Miami Dolphins gave a one-year, $4 million contract to Ifeatu Melifonwu. 

Meanwhile, Holmes is conserving salary cap dollars, prioritizing the contract extensions of Aidan Hutchinson, Alex Anzalone, and Kerby Joseph. Hutchinson in particular is expected to secure a big payday following the huge $160 million contract the Cleveland Browns awarded to Myles Garret. Garrett’s $40 million/year set a new bar for EDGE defenders. After establishing himself as one of the premier talents in the league, Hutchinson is deserving of a similar contract.  

Joseph had an exceptional year with the Lions. After leading the NFL with nine interceptions in 2024, Joseph established himself as one of the league’s best safety’s. Although his accomplishments earned him an additional $1 million performance-based bonus, Joseph is deserving of a large payday with his new contract. 

Anzalone is another player the Lions can’t afford to lose. An outstanding player and team captain, Anzalone’s very presence on the field elevates the play of all those around him. The Lions won their final game against the Minnesota Vikings largely because of Anzalone’s contribution.  

Other Priority Re-Signings For The Lions  

While the Lions can’t retain everyone, two other current Lions’ free agents should be prioritized for extensions.  

Wide Receiver -Tim Patrick 

Before the season began last year, there was a great deal of speculation as to who would emerge as the third receiver after Amon-Ra-St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Tim Patrick has earned that role. He made a big impact providing Jared Goff with a reliable third wide receiver. As the relationship between Goff and Patrick developed last season, he became a favorite alternate target in heavy coverage situations. In addition to having great hands and his sure-footedness on the field, Patrick proved to be a terrific blocker.  

“I like him, I really do,” head coach Dan Campbell said of Patrick last season. “He fits us just the way he is, the way he works, his attention to detail, and he brings a little something different to us.” Praising Patrick’s “big guy” size and physicality, Campbell said, “He’s tough, so I’m glad he’s here.”

Earlier this week, Patrick made it clear he hopes to stay in Detroit. He was spotted wearing a jacket that said on the back, “I only want to work with the Lions.”

Linebacker -Malcolm Rodriguez 

Still recovering from his torn ACL, Malcolm Rodriguez probably won’t be ready for the start of the season. But he is another player who deserves to remain with the Lions. When Anzalone went down with a broken arm, second year pro Jack Campbell and Rodriguez were two linebackers who stepped up in his absence.  

Drafted by the Lions in the sixth round, the 5″11″ 234 lb. Oklahoma State talent ranked among the top of the 2022 NFL rookie class in multiple categories. Tying for the lead among NFL rookies with 12 tackles for a loss or no gain, Rodriguez ranked sixth among his fellow rookies with 83 total tackles. He was one of four NFL rookies with at least eight tackles, one sack, and a fumble recovery that year.

“Rodrigo” as he is known to his teammates has a great work ethic. He’s popular with fans and coaches alike. In addition to his 152 career tackles (79 solo) he has three sacks (two from 2024) three pass defenses, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Before his injury, Rodrigo was enjoying a career season. But once he’s fully recovered, with his drive and determination to improve, Rodrigo will continue to be an impact player for the Lions.  

As predicted, Holmes and the Lions front office are focusing on getting the job done, quietly, efficiently and without drama or fanfare.  Campbell has a terrific new coaching staff in place and things are looking good in Detroit.  

Main Photo: Lon Horwedel – Imagn Images

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13-year veteran Kevin Zeitler signed a new contract with the Tennessee Titans. Zeitler, a one-time Pro Bowler, spent the 2024 season with the Detroit Lions but has also played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and Baltimore Ravens.

[Schefter] Former Pro-Bowl guard Kevin Zeitler is signing a one-year $9 million deal with the Tennessee Titans. twitter.com/AdamSchefter…

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— NFL News Poster (@nflnewsposter.bsky.social) March 12, 2025 at 5:09 PM

Kevin Zeitler, Tennessee Titans, Agree to Contract

2024 was another strong season for the veteran guard. Signed to a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions, Zeitler became a crucial part of one of the league’s better offensive lines. Starting and appearing in 16 games, the Zeitler finished the season with an 86.8 PFF grade, the third-best mark in the league, as the Lions finished with a 15-2 record. Unfortunately, despite the strong season, Detroit went one-and-done in the playoffs following an upset loss against the Washington Commanders.

Kevin Zeitler originally entered the league as a first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Selected by the Cincinnati Bengals, the Wisconsin product spent five seasons as the team’s primary right guard. While the team had plenty of regular season success under Andy Dalton and Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati never won a playoff game during Zeitler’s tenure.

Following the expiration of his rookie contract, Kevin Zeitler signed a five-year deal with the Cleveland Browns. However, he only lasted two seasons before sending him to the New York Giants. Included in the Odell Beckham trade, the offensive lineman spent three seasons in the Big Apple protecting Eli Manning and Daniel Jones.

Following his three-year stint with the Giants, Kevin Zeitler signed a three-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens. Despite being one of the league’s better guards, he never made a Pro Bowl until the 2023 season. Starting and appearing in all 15 games, the Wisconsin product helped the Ravens finish the season with the best record in the AFC. After beating the Houston Texans in the divisional round, the team fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.

Main Photo: Lon Horwedel – USA Today Sports

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Four-year veteran Levi Onwuzurike signed a new contract with the Detroit Lions. Onwuzurike, a former second-round pick, spent the entirety of his career with the Detroit Lions.

Rap: DT Levi Onwuzurike to re-sign with the Lions on a 1-year, $5.5M deal.

— NFL NEWS (@fantasynflnews.bsky.social) March 12, 2025 at 4:22 PM

Levi Onwuzurike, Detroit Lions, Agree to Contract

Defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike hit the open market following the best season of his career. Starting for the first time in his career, the Washington product finished his season with 1.5 sacks, 28 tackles, one tackle-for-loss, 13 quarterback hits, and a 70.2 PFF grade, the 22nd-best mark out of 126 eligible players. The Detroit Lions had the best regular season in franchise history, going 15-2 before losing to the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round.

Levi Onwuzurike originally entered the league as a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Selected by the Detroit Lions, the Washington product played in a reserve role as a rookie. Appearing in all 16 games without making a start, Onwuzurike finished his inaugural campaign with one sack 35 tackles, two tackles-for-loss, one quarterback hit, and a 43.2 PFF grade.

Onwuzurike entered the 2022 season hoping to prove himself, but injuries interfered. The defensive tackle suffered a back injury prior to the regular season, prematurely ending his season and sidelining him until 2023.

While he returned to the field in 2023, he never earned a full-time role as he worked himself back to full strength. Appearing in 10 games, Onwuzurike finished the season with one sack, five tackles, one tackle-for-loss, and two quarterback hits. Dan Campbell’s squad broke out, winning the NFC North and making it to the NFC Championship Game. Unfortunately, they narrowly missed out on a Super Bowl trip thanks to a ferocious comeback by Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers.

Since signing his rookie contract, Levi Onwuzurike has appeared in 42 games while making 10 starts. While on the field, the second-round pick has recorded 3.5 sacks, 68 tackles, four tackles-for-loss, and 16 quarterback hits.

Main Photo: Junfu Han – USA Today Sports

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According to Tom Pellisero, the Lions are signing former Arizona Cardinals nose tackle Roy Lopez. The $4.65 million, one-year contract gives the Lions another strong tackle to shore up their injury-depleted defense.

Detroit Lions Pick Up Roy Lopez In Free Agency

After playing football at New Mexico State, Lopez transferred to Arizona in 2020 for his final year of eligibility. A four-year veteran of the NFL, Lopez was drafted by the Houston Texans in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft with the 195th selection.

Roy Lopez -A Strong Defensive Talent In Arizona 

After two years in Texas, Lopez was waived/injured in August 2023. He was signed to the Cardinals practice squad the following month and quickly promoted to the 53-man roster within a week. In 2024 Lopez had nine solo tackles, one assisted tackle, one sack, three pass defenses, and a forced fumble.

What Lopez Brings to the Lions 

With the unsigned status of free agents Levi Onwuzurike and Kyle Peko in question, Lopez’s acquisition looks like another smart move by Lions GM Brad Holmes.

Described as a “perfect Dan Campbell type of player,” the 6’2″ 318 lb. Lopez is gritty, tough, and relentless in his playing style. A popular locker room presence in Arizona, those who know Lopez say he will fit in well with the team.

HC Jonathan Gannon said of Lopez.  “He’s a phenomenal human being. He enjoys coming to work and he gets better at his game. I’d love a bunch of Roys.”

But Lopez suddenly became expendable following the Cardinals’ budget-busting acquisition of free agent Josh Sweat from the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles. Wooing Sweat with a four-year $76.4 million contract, the Cardinals announced their presence in the free agency fray.

Next Steps For the Lions

Detroit has remained relatively quiet this week compared to the huge spending sprees exhibited by other NFL teams. On the first day of free agency, the Chicago Bears spent an eye-popping $133 million to acquire three players. Other teams, including the Carolina Panthers, shelled out the big bucks to retain core players. The Panthers secured Jaycee Horn for the next four years with a massive $100 million contract. The New Orleans Saints re-signed Juwan Johnson for $30 million over three years and elite EDGE Chase Young for the next three years with a new $51 million contract.  

Meanwhile, Holmes has kept his cards close to the vest, picking up only one additional free agent besides Lopez.  Earlier this week, the Lions acquired former Jets cornerback D.J. Reed with a three-year $48 million contract. The pickup of Reed is considered to be another home run for Holmes. However, in addition to the acquisition of Lopez and Reed, the Lions have largely stayed out of the feeding frenzy, focusing their efforts on quietly re-signing their internal players including defensive linebacker Marcus Davenport, LB Zeke Turner, and fan-favorite tackle, Dan Skipper.

With Holmes’ typical quiet efficiency, the details of their new contracts have not been publicized. However, with big contract re-signings still outstanding for Lions’ premiere talents including Aidan Hutchinson, Alex Anzalone, and Kerby Joseph, Holmes is likely keeping an eye on his budget.

But trust the Lions front office will re-sign these players very soon. Then Holmes can focus his on doing what he does best; spotting underrated top talent at the upcoming NFL draft and signing them to Detroit.      

Main Image: Joe Rondone – USA Today Sports

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After losing Carlton Davis to the New England Patriots earlier in the day, the Detroit Lions are signing Jets cornerback D. J. Reed to a three-year contract. 

Detroit Lions Acquire D.J. Reed In Free Agency 

Although the exact terms are unknown, the deal is rumored per ESPN to be in the neighborhood of $48 million or roughly $16 million per year. A seven-year veteran cornerback, Reed is expected to replace Davis, who is rumored to have agreed to a three-year, $60 million contract with New England. Despite a personally frustrating season with the Jets, Reed recorded 64 combined tackles with one sack last year. 

Reed The Early Years

A 28-year-old Bakersfield, CA native, Reed attended Kansas State University, where he was both a cornerback and kick return specialist. In his junior year in 2017, he appeared in 11 of 13 games, recording 47 tackles, four interceptions, nine pass defenses, and one forced fumble.

As a return specialist, he caught 17 punts for 253 yards with one touchdown, and 17 kickoffs for 582 yards and one touchdown that season.  A team captain, Reed was named first-team All-Big 12 as a cornerback and second-team All-Big 12 as a return specialist. 

Reed’s Pro Career

After declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft, Reed was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round. He was with the team when they lost the Super Bowl 31-20 to the Kansas City Chiefs. However, shortly afterward, Reed was placed on the active/non-football injury list on July 28, 2020. 

Claimed off waivers by the Seattle Seahawks, he was activated on October 31, 2020, to replace the Seahawks injured cornerback, Quinton Dunbar. After impressing the coaching staff with two critical interceptions, Reed remained the starting cornerback even after Dunbar’s return. 

In March, 2022, Reed signed his contract with the Jets. Playing alongside the Jets Defensive Player of the Year, Sauce Gardner, Reed provided a solid compliment to the superstar cornerback. He averaged 59 tackles per year in his three years with New York.      

Comparing Reed To Lions’ History With Davis  

Until his injury last year, Davis was a perfect compliment to Detroit’s defense. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneer signed a one-year agreement with Detroit before the 2024 season.  A member of the Buccaneers Super Bowl-winning team with Tom Brady, Davis is a feisty, aggressive player. Missing the last four games of the Lions season after fracturing his jaw, he appeared in 13 games and recorded 56 tackles (40 solo), two interceptions and defended 11 passes. He also had one forced fumble. Losing Davis in week 15 against the Buffalo Bills was another brutal loss for Detroit’s injury-plagued defense.

Lions General Manager Brad Holmes may have lost out on retaining Davis but in a direct comparison of both players, there are a lot of similarities. Both players are 28 years old and seven-year veterans of multiple NFL teams. Throughout his career, Davis appeared in 89 games, recording 380 tackles, 11 interceptions, 84 passes defended, and four forced fumbles.

Over the same period, Reed recorded 414 combined tackles, six interceptions, and defended 51 passes. He leaves the Jets after signing a three-year $33 million agreement in 2022.

Lions Plan for Reed

The Lions are Reed’s fourth team in seven years. As a starting cornerback, he’ll be paired with second-year players Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw, and veteran cornerback Amik Robertson.  

Reed was frustrated last season with the chaos and drama surrounding the Jets. He wants to play hard and be with a winning organization. The Lions need a quality talent who fits their team dynamic. Early indications suggest that the Lions’ acquisition of Reed is another home run for Holmes. Several writers who are well acquainted with Reed say he’s a great fit for the team and a positive presence in the locker room. It appears the Lions have another great player in Reed.   

Main Photo: Tina MacIntyre – Imagn Images

The post How the Lions Will Use Their $48 Million Free Agent Signing appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

Seven-year veteran cornerback D.J. Reed signed a new contract with the Detroit Lions. Reed, a former fifth-round pick, spent the 2024 season with the New York Jets but has also played for the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks.

BREAKING: Free agent CB D.J. Reed plans to sign with the #Lions on a 3-year, $48M that includes $32M fully guaranteed, multiple sources tell @NFLonFOX.

One of the top corners on the market lands a lucrative deal in Detroit. pic.twitter.com/YuqJ1HhwvI

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 10, 2025

D.J. Reed, Detroit Lions, Agree to Contract

The New York Jets did not play up to offseason expectations in 2024, but that didn’t stop D.J. Reed from having a strong season. Starting and appearing in 14 games, the veteran cornerback finished the season with 11 passes defended, one sack, 64 tackles, four tackles-for-loss, and a 70.7 PFF grade, the 31st-best mark out of 118 eligible players. Despite Reed’s strong play and the return of a now-healthy Aaron Rodgers, the Jets missed the playoffs and finished with one of the NFL’s worst record.

D.J. Reed originally entered the league as a fifth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Selected by the San Francisco 49ers, the Kansas State product couldn’t make a home for himself in the Golden State. Spending most of his first two years on the bench, the team waived Reed ahead of the 2020 season. The cornerback landed with the Seattle Seahawks and quickly became a key part of the secondary. Reed appeared in 10 games for Seattle in 2020, making eight starts while recording two interceptions, seven passes defended, 62 tackles, two tackles-f0r-loss, and a 75.2 PFF grade.

Reed proved this wasn’t a fluke in 2021, as he finished the 2021 season with another strong campaign and turned his impressive play into a new contract with the New York Jets. Joining Robert Saleh’s squad in 2022, the free agent signee finished the 2022 season with one interception, 80 tackles, and one tackle-for-loss.

Since signing his rookie contract, D.J. Reed has appeared in 101 games while making 70 starts. While on the field, the veteran has recorded six interceptions, 51 passes defended, two sacks, 414 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss, and two quarterback hits. Despite his strong play, he has never made the Pro Bowl or earned a spot on an All-Pro team.

The post BREAKING: Lockdown Cornerback Signs Contract With Detroit Lions appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.

Seven-year veteran cornerback Carlton Davis has signed a three-year, $60 million contract with the New England Patriots. Davis, a former second-round pick and one-time Super Bowl champion, spent the 2024 season with the Detroit Lions but has also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Carlton Davis to the Patriots, per Adam Schefter.

— Pride of Detroit (@prideofdetroit.bsky.social) March 10, 2025 at 1:07 PM

Carlton Davis, New England Patriots, Agree to Contract

After spending the first six years of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team traded Davis to the Detroit Lions during the offseason. Acquired in exchange for a third-round pick, the veteran cornerback immediately started on one of the league’s more reliable defenses. Playing in 13 games, the one-time Super Bowl champion finished the season with two interceptions, 11 passes defended, one forced fumble, 56 tackles, two tackles-for-loss, and a 74.5 PFF grade, the 21st-best mark out of 118 eligible players. The Lions finished the season with 15 wins but lost their first playoff game to the Washington Commanders.

Carlton Davis originally entered the league as a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Auburn product immediately made an impact on the club, appearing in 13 games (12 starts) while recording four passes defended, one forced fumble, 40 tackles, and one tackle-for-loss. Following a similar season in 2019, Davis suddenly found himself in the spotlight after superstar quarterback Tom Brady signed in free agency.

During his first year with Super Bowl aspirations, Carlton Davis helped form one of the league’s better defenses. Starting and appearing in 14 games, the former second-round pick finished the season with four interceptions, 18 passes defended, 68 tackles, and three tackles-for-loss. Despite not winning the NFC South, the team won Super Bowl 55 and took down Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, and Drew Brees in their road to the Lombardi Trophy.

Since signing his rookie contract, Carlton Davis has appeared in 89 games while making 88 starts. While on the field, the Auburn product has recorded 11 interceptions, 84 passes defended, four forced fumbles, and 380 tackles.

Main Photo: Lon Horwedel – USA Today Sports

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To save salary cap spending, the Detroit Lions will cut three-time Pro Bowler Zadarius Smith who now becomes a notable free agent this week. According to the breaking news, the team will be moving on from the edge rusher which will save them $5.7 million in cap space and would allow the Lions to avoid the option bonus on Smith’s deal. Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the former Kentucky product came into the lineup as a temporary replacement for Aidan Hutchinson for the rest of the season. Smith had his moments last year but was only able to register four sacks, three tackles for loss and 10 quarterback hits in eight games.

However, on his recent social media post, he was looking forward to winning a Super Bowl with the Lions but now it looks like he will have to do that elsewhere. Since Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport are returning, it would make Smith expendable so the Lions had no other choice but to release him. Smith joins a market full of other top-edge rushers in the league like Joey Bosa, Josh Sweat and Haason Reddick. The Lions want to bring back Smith somehow but these five teams could sign him before they get the opportunity.

Breaking: Lions Cut Three-Time Pro Bowler Zadarius Smith, 5 Suitors Emerge?

Next Possible Teams

Baltimore Ravens

A return to the Baltimore Ravens is very possible in this situation. The team is lacking experience in the Ravens trenches after losing Jadeveon Clowney last offseason. Perhaps, Smith could fill his shoes and be a formidable upgrade over Trenton Simpson and David Ojabo. As of this posting, the only capable edge rushers on this roster are Kyle Van Noy and Roquan Smith. ZaDarius Smith might be the same athletic freak that he once was but he might be a crucial pass rusher to stop the run.

Los Angeles Chargers

If anyone can bring out the best in Smith, it’s head coach Jim Harbaugh who loves to play football games with a physical defense. A perfect example of that is defensive lineman Teair Tart and Poona Ford. While the team could re-sign Ford, there hasn’t been discussion about Tart so he will likely sign a one-year deal elsewhere. The same could happen for Khalil Mack as he enters this week as a top free-agent edge rusher.

Smith might not outplay Mack but the Chargers need a game-changing answer to their pass rush, especially at least a viable replacement for Joey Bosa.

Kansas City Chiefs

As for the Chiefs, the good news is that the team is bringing back Nick Bolton. However, the team has yet to have discussions about Josh Uche after having a quiet 2024 campaign. He may not return but Smith’s presence on a veteran contract could be crucial. The team probably won’t be able to maximize Smith’s next deal but any contract offer from the Chiefs could intrigue him.

Dallas Cowboys

This could be the last time the Dallas Cowboys will see Demarcus Lawrence in a uniform as he’s another name in free agency they will probably lose. The main priority for the team is bringing back Micah Parsons even though there hasn’t been any progress. Jerry Jones said the team won’t be aggressive again in free agency but they should if they want the team to get back in the playoffs. Smith might not be the same elite player but he and Parsons pairing could be a worthy investment for Dallas.

Washington Commanders

The Commanders have done phenomenal building an offense for quarterback Jayden Daniels. However, since they have cap space again, the team will plan to get aggressive by adding new defensive linemen. Dante Fowler Jr. is a free agent but they signed Bobby Wagner on another one-year deal. This means the team will probably sign a replacement and that could be Smith.

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