Breaking: The Detroit Lions have signed a defensive end for $42 million in…
The Detroit Lions’ pass rush was frequently a source of inconsistent play in 2023, despite some notable defense improvements.
says a three-time Pro Bowler would make sense as an addition to the Lions’ edge-rushing group, which is expected to undergo a revamp this summer in order to replace star Aidan Hutchinson. Za’Darius Smith, a former edge rusher for the Cleveland Browns, might be an “under-the-radar” addition to the Lions this summer to help replace some of the veteran leadership that the team will be losing, according to Risdon.
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 may be shopping for a more productive veteran seeking a final Super Bowl opportunity since they are revamping the EDGE position with Julian Okwara already in Philadelphia and Charles Harris and his brother Romeo both free agents. 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 15.5 sacks over 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.
#Browns DC After the game that sealed the playoffs, Jim Schwartz dashed across the field to instruct Za’Darius Smith to circle the stadium in celebration with the crowd.
He was delighted to do so.
However, Smith might still be a valuable acquisition to a team that had trouble locating a reliable pass rusher to replace Hutchinson. Hutchinson, a sophomore, accounted for nearly thirty percent of the team’s sack total with 11.5 sacks. 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.”
Smith signed a one-year, $10.5-million contract with the Browns last year and is two years removed from a three-year, $42-million deal with the Minnesota Vikings. However, Smith might be a more cost-effective addition for the Lions.
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 former Most Outstanding Defensive Player of the CFL chose the B.C. Lions over other NFL suitors, recording 18 sacks in 18 games.
Sasha Ghavami, Betts’ agent, told the Detroit Free Press, “He received offers in both leagues and ultimately the 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-energy, highly motivated, and willing to give it his all. And, in my opinion, he saw it as an additional chance to enter and succeed in the NFL. He believes in his skills and, in my opinion, is just waiting for the chance.
