A $23 million veteran made it clear how he feels about potentially staying with the Detroit Lions for the 2025 NFL season.

Pass rusher Za’Darius Smith lobbies to return to Detroit in 2025, but he will need a new contract to make that happen

Detroit Lions edge rusher Za'Darius Smith is under contract with the team in 2025 after being acquired via trade with the Cleveland Browns in 2024. The Lions have an out to cut Smith, but it remains to be seen if they'll take it.

Detroit Lions defensive end Za'Darius Smith is hoping for an opportunity to return next season. After the Lions fell short of their 2024 season goals, the former Cleveland Browns defender took to social media to express his gratitude.

Other cut candidates include the following: Kalif Raymond has become a fan favorite in Detroit as is customary with the undersized, fairly successful kick returner. However, Raymond’s overall productivity could be cheaply replaced if the team felt like clearing a small amount of cap space in 2025.

Smith has twice been to the NFC Championship game, and his hope is that a third trip would be the charm in his quest for a Super Bowl ring. Smith spoke to Lions OnSI Wednesday to preview the playoffs, discuss defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn's impact and much more.

Za'Darius Smith already sacked Jayden Daniels once this season, but the Lions DE knows he has his work cut out for him in Saturday's playoff game.

Detroit Lions now have 7 picks in the 2025 NFL draft after adding a 3rd-round selection due to Aaron Glenn being hired as New York Jets head coach.

In the franchise’s first NFC championship game in 33 years, Washington could not keep up with host Philadelphia, which cruised to advance to the Super Bowl.

Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson defected for NFC North rival Chicago as head coach, while defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn took the New York Jets head coach position. Receivers coach Antwaan Randle El and assistant quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett followed Johnson to Chicago. QB coach Mark Brunell could do the same with Glenn.

The Los Angeles Chargers will have a major decision to make with edge rusher Khalil Mack this offseason. Do they retain him, or do they allow the aging veteran to walk?The Chargers will obviously face stiff competition for his services,

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes had to deal with injuries that decimated the roster and likely cost the team a chance to make a Super Bowl.