Eagles secure Za’Darius Smith as Lions miss opportunity to bolster defense
The Detroit Lions have found themselves in a precarious position as edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, once considered a potential reunion target, has signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. The move comes after Smith was released earlier this offseason, leaving the Lions scrambling to fill gaps in their defense.
Smith’s addition to the Eagles, the reigning Super Bowl champions, comes at a critical time for both parties. Though he is nearing his 33rd birthday, the veteran pass rusher showcased his skills last season, racking up nine sacks, four of which were earned after his trade from the Cleveland Browns to Detroit.
Why the Lions let Smith slip away
Despite the evident need for a seasoned edge rusher, the Lions surprisingly cut Smith earlier in the offseason, a decision that has raised eyebrows. With the team facing uncertainty along the edge, relying on the injury-prone Marcus Davenport to join Aidan Hutchinson, the lack of depth has become a glaring concern.
Smith had expressed a strong desire to return to Detroit, and general manager Brad Holmes had communicated an interest in bringing him back as recently as August. However, the reasons for the failure to reach an agreement remain somewhat murky.
One major factor appears to be financial. After releasing Smith, Holmes noted that the team could not accommodate his salary demands, which is puzzling given that the Lions currently have around $34 million in cap space as the season approaches. It raises questions about whether Smith was seeking a higher salary than the Lions were prepared to offer. The actual terms of his deal with the Eagles have not yet been disclosed, but many are left wondering what financial compromise was reached.
Coach’s confidence raises eyebrows
Adding to the intrigue, Lions head coach Dan Campbell recently stated that he felt confident in the current roster without Smith, a comment that likely diminished any hope of a reunion. “Well, we’re good right now,” Campbell remarked, referring to the depth they believe they possess. “We got (Marcus) Davenport, we got good depth, I like what we got on the interior, too… So we’re ready to go, man.”
This declaration might have been the final nail in the coffin for Smith’s return, prompting him to seek opportunities elsewhere. The sentiment was echoed by Smith’s girlfriend, rapper Kash Doll, who took to Instagram to express her discontent with Campbell’s remarks, playfully responding, “Hey coach. We’re good,” accompanied by a waving emoji.
Implications for the Lions
The reality is that the Lions have missed a significant opportunity in allowing Smith to slip through their fingers. With the Eagles enhancing their defensive lineup, the Lions are left to face the season with a shaky edge situation and an uncertain defensive outlook. As they prepare for the upcoming season, the pressure will be on Detroit to address these shortcomings, particularly as they vie for a competitive position in the NFC.
In summary, the Lions’ failure to secure Za’Darius Smith not only reflects a miscalculation regarding their defensive needs but also opens the door for their rivals, particularly the Eagles, to capitalize on the situation. With the season looming, all eyes will be on how Detroit responds to this setback.
