Za’Darius Smith, the Detroit Lions defensive end, hopes to return next season. After the Lions fell short of their 2024 season targets, the former Cleveland Browns defense took to social media to show his gratitude.
Smith commented, “Motor City, 2024 did not proceed as planned; we fell short of our expectations! 2025 gives us another chance to change and compete for the crown! I loved every moment with my lads, and even though some faces have changed for the new season, I hope to be a part of this wonderful organization in the future!”
Smith was the most toughest player acquisition. When questioned this week if he matured in his post as a result of dealing with so much attrition, general manager Brad Holmes stated that trade for Smith was a growing experience.
“This was the first year, especially with the attrition at one position; clearly, linebacker, we were hit hard in training camp, and it carried over into the season. But pass rusher, and this was the first time we had to trade for a pass rusher this year, and I would say it was the most difficult player acquisition journey that I’ve ever been on,” Holmes stated.
“Look, you can talk about – you can look at all these names of all these starting defensive ends in the NFL, but when you start doing the work and you start making the calls, that thing shrinks down.”
Detroit’s popular general manager expressed the process to acquire Smith was challenging, especially since other team’s also covet pass rushers and must also worry about depth on their own rosters.
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