Detroit Lions Mailbag: What we know about a Za’Darius Smith return right now originally appeared on A to Z Sports.
The Detroit Lions will be reporting to training camp in just over two weeks. Let’s answer some questions first.
Advertisement
View the original article to see embedded media.
That’s an interesting thought, but I think the Lions look at him purely as an X-receiver. They’ve long needed someone who can high point in the end zone or make the contested catch down there, and they’re hoping that’s what TeSlaa can bring. I’m sure with that 4.43 speed, they wouldn’t mind if he could stretch the field too.
Just judging off all the tight ends the Lions looked at this offseason, they seem to be prioritizing guys who could run block well. Not sure TeSlaa could do that.
View the original article to see embedded media.
I don’t see much drop-off happening with Kelvin Sheppard calling plays on the defensive side of the ball. He’s proven to be ready for this, and I don’t think that defense skips a beat.
Advertisement
In terms of impact, there aren’t many spots to be had for an under the radar guy right now, but I like safety Morice Norris as someone who is being a bit overlooked right now, but who can gain a spot on the roster and play a strong special teams role and play anywhere in the secondary on defense when needed.
View the original article to see embedded media.
Here’s where things are right now. We know that the Lions and Smith have maintained contact since the release went down. The last time Holmes says he spoke with Smith was before the league meetings in early April.
Ahead of the draft, Holmes said the Lions had left things in the hands of Smith’s agent and that his agent would let Detroit know if something was going on or if things changed.
Advertisement
At the BET Awards in early June, Smith told USA Today that he wanted to be back in Detroit. That’s where we’re at right now. We’ll see what happens in the next two weeks.
View the original article to see embedded media.
I can actually. Avonte Maddox is currently listed as a cornerback by the Lions, but defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend said during OTAs that Maddox will actually play safety for the Lions. He should be the third safety on the depth chart once the season starts.
View the original article to see embedded media.
Whew! That’s quite an undertaking. There’s teams that have new centers basically every year. What I can do is talk about some of the teams that were similar to the Lions in the sense that they were on the cusp and then had to have a rookie center start.
Advertisement
For example, there’s the 2021 Kansas City Chiefs. They started Creed Humphrey at center in his rookie year, and they went 12-5 nd went to the AFC Championship game. They won the Super Bowl the next year.
In 2022, the Ravens started rookie Tyler Linderbaum at center, and the Ravens went 10-7 and lost in the Wild Card. The next year, they went to the AFC Championship game.
Last season, the Buccaneers started Graham Barton at center, and they went 10-7 and lost in the Wild Card. ‘
Starting a rookie center, if that’s the way it goes, is not a death knell, but it might make things a little harder.
View the original article to see embedded media.
This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.