Lions to Release Veteran DE Smith, Source Says: A Turning Point in Detroit’s Defensive Identity

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In a move that underscores the continued evolution of the Detroit Lions’ roster under general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell, a league source confirmed Monday morning that the team will release veteran defensive end Zach Smith ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The decision, while not wholly unexpected, marks the end of an era for a player who brought leadership, tenacity, and a veteran presence to the defensive line room. It also signals the Lions’ continued shift toward a younger, more dynamic core as they build on their rise from NFC basement-dweller to Super Bowl contender.

While Smith’s tenure in Detroit may be over, the ripple effects of his release stretch far beyond a single name on the depth chart.

The Zach Smith Era: Veteran Grit and Blue-Collar Consistency

Smith, 32, joined the Lions in 2022 on a two-year deal after spending time with the Texans and Bears. At the time, Detroit’s defense was in disarray, lacking both leadership and reliability up front. Smith quickly became one of Campbell’s most trusted voices in the locker room — praised for his relentless work ethic, film study habits, and mentorship of young players like Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston.

Across three seasons in Detroit, Smith appeared in 41 games, logging:

• 101 total tackles

• 16.5 sacks

• 3 forced fumbles

• 27 QB hits

• Countless intangibles

Though not a Pro Bowler, Smith embodied the “Grit” mantra Campbell preached. He did the dirty work, set the edge, chased down screens, and held teammates accountable — a true culture setter.

So why move on?

Why the Lions Are Releasing Smith: Performance, Cap, and Youth Movement

According to sources familiar with the team’s offseason planning, the decision to part ways with Smith boiled down to three main factors:

1. Declining Production

Smith’s 2024 campaign was his least productive since 2018. He tallied just 3.5 sacks, frequently lost reps against younger tackles, and was on the field for only 43% of defensive snaps — his lowest since 2016. Advanced metrics were unkind, too:

• PFF Grade: 58.2

• Pass-Rush Win Rate: 9.4%

• Run Stop Rate: 5.1%

The Lions gave Smith every chance to prove he could still be a valuable rotational piece, but time and injuries seemed to catch up with the veteran.

2. Cap Considerations

Smith was set to earn $7.8 million in 2025 with a cap hit of $9.4 million — a hefty price tag for a rotational player. By releasing him post-June 1, Detroit will save $6.5 million in cap space, with only $2.9 million in dead money. Those savings can be redirected toward younger extensions (like Alim McNeill) or used to shore up depth post-draft.

3. Youth on the Rise

The emergence of James Houston, Josh Paschal, and the expected return of Julian Okwara from injury meant there was simply less need for Smith. Additionally, multiple draft analysts project the Lions to take a defensive end or outside linebacker early in the 2025 NFL Draft — including Mel Kiper Jr., who recently mocked Alabama’s Dallas Turner to Detroit.

This is now Aidan Hutchinson’s defense. And the Lions are clearly ready to surround him with younger, faster, more explosive talent.

Inside the Locker Room Reaction: Respect and Transition

While some players were caught off guard by the timing of Smith’s release, the overall sentiment was one of respect and gratitude. Hutchinson posted on Instagram:

“One of the realest vets I’ve ever played with. Taught me how to be a pro. Much love, Smitty.”

Linebacker Alex Anzalone, one of the team’s longest-tenured players, echoed that message:

“It’s part of the business, but Zach was the heart of our D-line room. Whoever comes in next has big shoes to fill — on and off the field.”

Several younger players, including John Cominsky and Levi Onwuzurike, were reportedly mentored by Smith during film sessions and in practice. His release may open the door for more reps, but it also leaves a void in leadership — one the Lions hope Hutchinson and McNeill can continue to fill.

What’s Next for Smith?

At 32 with a recent dip in production, Smith won’t command top-dollar in free agency — but don’t be surprised if a contender scoops him up on a one-year veteran deal.

Possible landing spots:

• Pittsburgh Steelers: Need experienced edge depth behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.

• San Francisco 49ers: Love rotational pass rushers and could use help setting the edge.

• Kansas City Chiefs: Always in the market for smart, culture-setting vets.

• Houston Texans: Familiarity from early-career stint and need on the defensive front.

Smith has made no public statement yet, but a source close to the player told ESPN:

“He’s not done. He’s hungry to prove he can still contribute. He’s just waiting for the right situation.”

Lions’ Updated EDGE Depth Chart (Post-Smith)

Here’s how Detroit’s pass-rushing group looks without Smith:

• Aidan Hutchinson – Starter, face of the defense

• James Houston – Speed rusher with high upside

• Josh Paschal – Run-stopper with some juice

• Julian Okwara – Injury return, wild card

• Romeo Okwara – May also be a cap casualty

• John Cominsky – Versatile end/tackle hybrid

• 2025 Draft Pick TBD – Highly likely

This unit has potential — but it’s far from proven beyond Hutchinson. Releasing Smith only magnifies the need for Detroit to hit on another EDGE prospect in April.

Brad Holmes’ Track Record: Roster Turnover with Purpose

This isn’t the first time Holmes has moved on from a beloved veteran in the name of progress. Since taking over, he’s released or traded:

• Trey Flowers

• Jamie Collins

• Jeff Okudah

• Michael Brockers

In each case, the Lions filled the void with better fits — either in the draft or with younger, cheaper players. Smith’s release follows that same pattern, suggesting Holmes has a clear plan for how to replenish the EDGE room quickly.

He told reporters last week:

“We’re always going to honor what our vets gave to this program. But we also have to build with the future in mind. Sometimes, tough calls are part of that process.”

Fan Reaction: Mixed But Understanding

Smith was never a star, but his effort and no-nonsense attitude made him a fan favorite. On social media, many fans expressed disappointment but admitted the move made sense.

One Reddit user wrote:

“Tough to see him go. Loved watching him grind. But I get it. Hutch needs help, and we need cap room.”

Others questioned whether the Lions had done enough this offseason to truly bolster the defense — especially after missing out on several top free agents like Danielle Hunter and Leonard Floyd.

Holmes has been patient. But the pressure to deliver an impact defender in the draft just got a lot heavier.

Looking Ahead: 2025 Draft Becomes Even More Critical

The Lions hold the No. 29 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and are widely expected to target either an EDGE or cornerback in Round 1. Smith’s release narrows that focus even further.

Top EDGE targets for Detroit include:

• Dallas Turner (Alabama) – Elite speed, top-15 talent

• Chop Robinson (Penn State) – Freak athlete, needs polish

• Jared Verse (Florida State) – NFL-ready frame, power rusher

• Laiatu Latu (UCLA) – Technique wizard, but medical concerns

If the Lions don’t grab an EDGE early, look for Day 2 prospects like Adisa Isaac, Chris Braswell, or Jonah Elliss to be in play.

Either way, the message is clear: the Lions are betting on youth — and betting big on Hutchinson’s continued ascent.

A Necessary Goodbye on the Road to Greatness

Zach Smith won’t go down in the stat books as one of the Lions’ all-time greats. But his fingerprints are all over the team’s cultural transformation. He came to Detroit when the franchise was lost, helped stabilize the locker room, mentored the next wave, and gave fans something to believe in.

Now, with that foundation in place, the Lions are moving forward — faster, younger, and hungrier than ever.

Smith’s departure is a bittersweet but necessary chapter in Detroit’s pursuit of a Super Bowl. And if everything goes according to plan, his final contribution might just be making room for the pass-rusher who helps bring a Lombardi Trophy to Motown.