The Lions are determined to accomplish what they narrowly missed last season. GM Brad Holmes and HC Dan Campbell were busy this offseason sorting out player contracts, with DE Za’Darius Smith being the most notable case.

Drafted by the Ravens in the fourth round (122nd overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft, Smith has played 140 games (96 starts) over 10 years, recording 16 passes defended, 10 forced fumbles, 69 sacks, 173 QB hits, and 333 tackles (220 solo). However, his future remains uncertain after the Lions released him last month during free agency.

Smith has gained valuable experience across multiple teams throughout his career. After completing his rookie contract with the Ravens, he signed a four-year, $66 million deal with the Packers. However, in a move to manage cap space—the Packers saved $15.3 million—he was traded to the Vikings on a three-year, $42 million contract. He later joined the Browns in 2023 before landing with the Lions mid-season last year.

While Campbell is busy assessing the draft options, Holmes gave an update on April 17 about the DE’s contract. He said, “We haven’t had any discussions since (I spoke about him last month) and I think we kind of left it as that his agent would let us know if something was going on or anything had changed or if we had any updates. But no, we haven’t had any discussions since then.” That’s strange. And their gain on releasing Smith?

Za’Darius Smith’s base salary was $1.5 million, but had he remained on the roster, it would have jumped to $8.99 million. By releasing the defensive end, the Lions saved approximately $5.75 million in cap space.

In just 8 games (7 starts) last season, Smith recorded 1 pass defended, 4 sacks, and 12 tackles (7 solo). Despite a solid impact in limited appearances, his future with the team looks bleak.

As per the latest update from GM Brad Holmes, “The chances of him returning to the team are next to zero—unless his agent comes up with a new plan.” Okay, looks like the team has given up on the defensive player for the time being.

However, the head coach has high hopes for the draft. They want to add more O-line players for the QB Jared Goff.

Dan Campbell is aiming for a new WR in the 2025 Draft

Lions HC Dan Campbell was also sitting with the GM while talking about the draft. He gave a crucial sneak peek into their draft plans: they want to draft a wide receiver for Jared Goff. The new offensive coordinator, John Morton, aims to make the offensive line even more explosive.

There are a few WRs who could join the franchise. Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden and Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan are the most prominent. The latter is among the top WR prospects in the league. In 37 games (33 starts) over three college seasons, he recorded 213 receptions for 3,423 yards and 26 touchdowns. The Patriots are also interested in him for his Rob Gronkowski-like physique. So, it will be a big steal if they do it.

Matthew Golden played for Texas last year, playing 16 games (all starters) with 58 receptions for 987 yards and 9 touchdowns. Dan Campbell’s new RB coach, Tashard Choice, was the Texas RB coach last year. And he also arranged a visit to the Lions building a few days back. So, the franchise knows the genuine talent and his utility in the O-line. While the coaching staff wants a new receiver, the GM has a different stance.

Holmes said that the WRs are available even in free agency. So, they can get one whenever they want. But the coach understands that timing and combination are the key. They have to click as a unit, or their Super Bowl dream will remain a dream.