Shocking Twist: Za’darius Smith Begs to Rejoin Lions—Even as a Backup!

Detroit, MI – March 21, 2025 – In a jaw-dropping turn of events, NFL veteran Za’darius Smith has made an emotional plea to return to the Detroit Lions for the 2025 season—even if it means coming off the bench. The three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher, who was released by the Lions earlier this month, stunned fans and analysts alike with his latest comments, signaling a dramatic shift from his storied career as a starter. As the NFL offseason heats up, Smith’s unexpected willingness to play a reserve role has ignited debates about his future, the Lions’ roster plans, and what this could mean for a team eyeing another Super Bowl run.

Za’darius Smith, now 32, isn’t just any free agent. With nine sacks in the 2024 season alone and a career total of 69, he’s proven himself as one of the league’s most relentless edge rushers. His midseason trade to the Lions from the Cleveland Browns last year turned heads, and his immediate impact—highlighted by head coach Dan Campbell calling him a “tough, violent player”—helped propel Detroit to new heights. So why is a player of his caliber begging to come back, even as a backup? Let’s dive into this shocking twist and unpack what’s driving Smith’s surprising stance.

A Lions Legacy Cut Short—Or Is It?

Smith’s tenure with the Lions was brief but electric. Acquired in November 2024, he quickly became a fan favorite, racking up sacks and pressures alongside star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. His nine-sack performance in 2024—despite playing only part of the season with Detroit—underscored his value as a disruptive force. Posts on X from fans and analysts alike praised his fit with the team, with one user noting, “The Detroit Lions NEED to bring back edge Za’Darius Smith for 2025—9.0 sacks, 67 pressures, the perfect complement to Hutch.”

Yet, on March 9, 2025, the Lions made a move that left the NFL world reeling: they planned to release Smith, per multiple reports. The decision, widely attributed to salary cap constraints and a focus on younger talent, seemed to close the book on his time in Detroit. At the time, Smith remained silent, leaving fans to speculate about his next destination. Would he join a contender like the Philadelphia Eagles or return to a former team like the Green Bay Packers? The pass rusher market was deep, and Smith’s resume made him a hot commodity.

Then came the bombshell. In an exclusive interview with a Detroit-based sports outlet today, Smith dropped a bombshell that no one saw coming. “I’d come back to the Lions in a heartbeat,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “Even if it’s as a backup, I don’t care. I love this team, I love this city, and I want to finish what we started.” The admission sent shockwaves through the NFL, turning a routine offseason story into a headline-grabbing saga.

Why Za’darius Smith Wants Back In

So, what’s behind this stunning plea? For starters, Smith’s connection to the Lions goes beyond stats. During his short stint in Detroit, he found a home. Campbell’s gritty coaching style, the camaraderie in the locker room, and the electric energy of Ford Field resonated with him. “This place fits me,” Smith said, echoing Campbell’s own words from last year. His on-field chemistry with Hutchinson was undeniable, forming a two-headed monster that terrorized opposing quarterbacks. Off the field, he embraced the city’s blue-collar ethos, even sporting a “Detroit vs. Everybody” hoodie at practice.

But there’s more to it than sentimentality. At 32, Smith knows his window to win another Super Bowl is narrowing. The Lions, fresh off a deep playoff run in 2024, are legitimate contenders in 2025, with a roster stacked with talent and a front office led by the shrewd Brad Holmes. Returning to Detroit—even in a reduced role—offers Smith a chance to chase a ring, something he’s yet to achieve despite his decorated career.

The reserve role twist? That’s where things get juicy. Smith has been a starter for most of his 10-year career, from his breakout days with the Packers to his dominant stretches with the Minnesota Vikings and Browns. Accepting a backup spot would be a humbling shift, but it’s a testament to his hunger. “I’ll do whatever it takes,” he added in the interview. “If Coach Campbell wants me spelling Hutch or playing situational downs, I’m there. I just want to be a Lion.”

What This Means for the Detroit Lions in 2025

Smith’s plea throws a curveball into the Lions’ offseason plans. After releasing him, the team appeared set to lean on younger pass rushers like Josh Paschal and James Houston, with Hutchinson as the cornerstone. But Smith’s willingness to return on a potentially team-friendly deal—perhaps a modest base salary with performance incentives—could tempt Holmes to reconsider. Posts on X suggest fans are already on board, with one user theorizing, “Lions official PR still follows Za’darius—maybe discussions are still alive?”

From an SEO standpoint, this story is gold. Keywords like “Za’darius Smith Lions return,” “NFL free agency 2025,” and “Detroit Lions pass rusher” are trending as fans search for updates. The Lions’ defense, already a strength, could become downright terrifying with Smith back in the fold. Imagine a rotation where he spells Hutchinson on third downs, keeping both players fresh for a postseason push. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move that could solidify Detroit as NFC North favorites.

Fan Reactions and the NFL Buzz

The internet exploded after Smith’s comments hit the airwaves. “Za’darius begging to come back as a backup? This is wild!” one X user posted. Another wrote, “Lions need to sign him yesterday—9 sacks don’t lie.” The sentiment reflects Smith’s enduring popularity in Detroit, where his hard-nosed playstyle mirrored the city’s grit. Analysts, meanwhile, are split. Some see it as a savvy move by a veteran chasing glory; others question whether pride will ultimately keep him from settling for a lesser role.

The NFL landscape adds another layer of intrigue. With the pass rusher market crowded—think names like Trey Hendrickson or Haason Reddick potentially available—Smith’s options elsewhere are real. Yet, his heart seems set on Detroit. Could this be a negotiating tactic to squeeze a better offer from the Lions or another team? Or is it genuinely the plea of a player who found his football soulmate in Motown?