Although the Detroit Lions improved their defense in 2023, they still had inconsistent pass rush performance. Three-time Pro Bowler and former Cleveland Browns edge rusher Za’Darius Smith becomes a key player in their much-anticipated overhaul of their edge-rushing unit.Alongside the excellent Aidan Hutchinson, Jeff Risdon of USA Today speculates that Smith could be the experienced player needed to fill the leadership hole created by the summer changes.

The Grand Picture: Reinventing the Lions’ Edge

Romeo Okwara and Charles Harris’ free agency, along with the departure of well-known players like Julian Okwara to Philadelphia, pave the way for Smith’s possible arrival as the Lions get ready to make major changes to their edge-rushing department. Despite a recent decline, Smith’s underappreciated reputation and 15.5 sacks over the last two seasons should make him a valuable addition for Detroit. His background and aptitude for backfield finishes may be a good fit for Hutchinson’s developing skills, satisfying the team’s need for a dependable pass rusher and strengthening the defense as a whole.

The Final Analysis – A Lion’s Roar Reimagined

With Za’Darius Smith possibly wearing the Detroit Lions uniform, the team is about to not only transform its defensive line-up but also infuse new life and leadership into its players. Beyond just stats, Smith has the potential to make a significant impact by introducing a degree of discipline and consistency that has been sometimes lacking.