Lions Are Pressed to Sign a $42 Million Defensive End for an “Overhaul” of Edge Rush
The Detroit Lions’ pass rush was frequently a source of inconsistent play in 2023, despite some notable defense improvements.
A three-time Pro Bowler may make sense as an addition to the Lions’ edge-rushing group, which is expected to undergo significant changes this offseason. The player would replace standout Aidan Hutchinson. Former Cleveland Browns edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, according to Risdon, might be an “under-the-radar” addition to the Lions to help replace some of the seasoned leadership that the team will be losing this offseason.
Lions to Add Veteran Who Is “Productive”
Risdon pointed out that, with some veterans anticipated to leave in free agency, the Lions’ pass-rushing unit would probably see some major changes this offseason.
The Lions are reworking the EDGE position; Julian Okwara is already in Philadelphia, and both he and his brother Romeo Okwara are unrestricted free agents. As a result, the team may be searching for a more successful veteran who wants to win a Super Bowl one last time. Smith is that, Risdon wrote.
Before free agency opens in March, Risdon observed that Smith doesn’t seem to be receiving much attention, particularly considering that he has had 15.5 sacks in the previous two seasons. That may be partially due to Smith’s decline in 2023, when he played with the more effective Myles Garrett and only recorded 5.5 sacks and 27 total tackles.
However, Smith might still be a valuable acquisition to a team that had trouble locating a reliable pass rusher to replace Hutchinson. Nearly 30% of the team’s sack total, or 11.5, was accounted for by second-year Hutchinson. No other player finished the year with more than five sacks.
Risdon noted that Smith could provide the consistency that Hutchinson and the rest of the unit lacked.
“Smith, who is 33 years old, is not the same Pro Bowl player that Lions fans may remember from the Packers a few years ago,” he wrote. “Nevertheless, he remains a proficient outside-in pass rusher with the ability to finish in the backfield and plays in a disciplined position.”
Although Smith signed a one-year, $10.5-million contract with the Browns last year, he might be a more cost-effective addition for the Lions. Smith is two years removed from inking a three-year, $42-million deal with the Minnesota Vikings.
Lions Adding Equipment for Defense
The Canadian Football League star Mathieu Betts was signed by the Lions to a contract, marking the beginning of the team’s defensive restructuring. The B.C. Lions were chosen over potential NFL suitors by the CFL’s former Most Outstanding Defensive Player, who recorded 18 sacks in 18 games for them last season.
Betts’ agent, Sasha Ghavami, stated to the Detroit Free Press, “He had offers in both leagues and eventually fit in Detroit; they’ve had continuing interest in him ever since he worked out for them.”
“The fit is excellent. He seems to be the kind of player they are looking for—high motor, high enthusiasm, and a willingness to give it his all. And, in my opinion, it was just another chance for him to enter and succeed in the NFL. He believes in his skills and, in my opinion, is just waiting for the chance.
Sports writer Nathan Dougherty writes about the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills for Heavy.com. In the past, he worked as an assistant editor for the sports trade publications Coaching Management, Athletic Management, and Training & Conditioning, in addition to writing for the Rochester Business Journal. Based in Rochester, New York, he has an intense passion for all things football. Additional information on Nathan Dougherty
