Former Detroit Lions edge pass rusher Za’Darius Smith made it known that he would prefer to end up back in Honolulu Blue this season.
Smith, who was cut by the Lions in March, played eight games for the team in the 2024-25 season after being acquired from the Cleveland Browns following the leg injury to Aidan Hutchinson. In those eight games, No. 99 totaled four sacks and 12 tackles on a defense that was reeling by season’s end.
“We both know where I want to be,” Smith told USA TODAY Sports at the 2025 BET Awards. “Hopefully I can get back to Detroit because the coaching staff and everybody in the front office are great. When I’m there I feel like a leader and like I can influence the young guys and do great things. Hopefully I can get back to where I want to be in Detroit.”
Smith, 32, is also in a relationship with Detroit rapper Kash Doll, with whom he attended the BET Awards.
The Lions didn’t make any long-term investments in edge rushers in the offseason despite letting Smith go. However, Hutchinson has been fully cleared for his return to football and Smith says he would still want a chance to work with him directly.
“I’m still a veteran. He’s still a young guy. I can help him with a lot of things. He’s already great but as a player there are some tools that I know that I can help him with,” Smith said. “And there are some things as a young guy that he can help me with.”
Smith is a three-time Pro Bowler who spent time with the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Cleveland Browns before his half-season in Detroit.
“I’m going into Year 11. As a veteran (a championship) is the only thing that I’m missing,” Smith said. “I did the sacks, All-Pro, Pro Bowl, so it’s really just me getting a ring now and winning a championship.”