$20 Million DE, Former No. 1 Pick Offers Lions Za’Darius Smith Alternative as Talks Stall
The Detroit Lions have discussed reuniting with defensive end Za’Darius Smith as recently as early August, but those conversations have since quieted and another short-term option to fill the team’s need on the edge is available in free agency.
Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, a No. 1 pick in 2014 who played last season with the Carolina Panthers, remains unsigned one week ahead of the Lions’ season opener against the Green Bay Packers.
Carolina is facing even more perilous circumstances off the edge than Detroit, so Clowney strangely makes sense as an option for the Panthers, even after they released him in early May. Clowney had signed a two-year contract worth $20 million in March 2024, though Carolina cut ties with him after just the first of those two seasons.
The Lions didn’t cut Smith, rather his two-year contract worth $23 million expired along with Detroit’s season. As of late last week, the Lions continued to hold an open roster spot, presumably to add an edge defender. However, general manager Brad Holmes said that isn’t necessarily the case in a media session Thursday, August 28.
“Anything’s a possibility,” Holmes said. “But the one open roster spot is not for a specific player. It’s for the player that makes the most sense for us, whoever that might be.”
Reporters inquired as to whether the team had spoken recently with Smith’s representation, to which Holmes replied it had not.
Za’Darius Smith Better On-Field Option for Lions Than Jadeveon Clowney, but Cost Could Prove Factor
Clowney will turn 33 less than a week after the Super Bowl next February, while Smith will celebrate his 33rd birthday one day after the Lions’ Week 1 contest at Lambeau Field.
Despite being roughly six months younger, Clowney has been in the league one more season than Smith. Both have earned Pro-Bowl honors three times and second-team All-Pro honors once, though Smith’s most recent accolades (2022) came four years more recently than did Clowney’s (2018).
Smith has also outperformed Clowney statistically over the course of their respective careers, tallying 173 QB hits, 85 tackles for loss and 69 sacks compared to Clowney’s 139 QB hits, 108 tackles for loss and 58 sacks. Both have appeared in 140 regular-season NFL games. Smith was better last season specifically, with nine sacks and 25 QB pressures, while Clowney put up 5.5 sacks and 22 QB pressures.
All that said, Clowney may come cheaper than Smith, who could still have a market in Carolina or with a team like the Chicago Bears should the Lions ink Clowney for the 2025 campaign instead.
Lions Need Upgrade Over Marcus Davenport at Defensive End
If Detroit doesn’t make any upgrades, Marcus Davenport will start opposite star Aidan Hutchinson. Davenport played for the Lions last season, though appeared in just two games and started only one after tearing his triceps early in the campaign.
Davenport also missed 13 contests while employed by the Minnesota Vikings in 2023. The year prior was his last with the New Orleans Saints, who selected him 14th overall in the first round of the 2018 draft. He played 15 games that year but tallied just 0.5 sacks.
Over his past three seasons combined (21 appearances), Davenport has produced just 3.0 sacks along with only 26 quarterback pressures. He will turn 29 years old early this season and is on a one-year contract worth $2.5 million.
That leaves the Lions in an unenviable position on the edge, as Hutchinson returns from a broken leg after a monster start to the 2024 campaign. The team traded for Smith ahead of the deadline, and he gave them four sacks over the final eight regular-season contests.
Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld’s Life-Changing Decision: Adopting an Orphaned Child from the Texas Hill Country Floods
In an unexpected turn of events that has captured the hearts of millions, NFL star Josh Allen and his fiancée, actress Hailee Steinfeld, have stunned the world with a decision that transcends fame and fortune. Known for his dominance on the field and her powerful presence in Hollywood, the couple has come together to make a decision that has touched the lives of many, showcasing the true meaning of compassion.
In early July, the Texas Hill Country was devastated by a catastrophic flood that claimed numerous lives and left many children orphaned. Among the countless tragedies, one story stood out: a 6-year-old girl who lost both of her parents in the disaster. As the heartbreaking reality of the flood’s aftermath spread, no one could have predicted that two of the biggest names in sports and entertainment would be the ones to offer her a new beginning.
Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld: A Powerful Duo of Compassion
Josh Allen, the quarterback sensation of the Buffalo Bills, and his fiancée Hailee Steinfeld, an acclaimed actress and singer, have both been admired for their work on and off the screen. But this latest act of kindness has brought their legacy to new heights. The couple, moved by the tragedy, decided to fly to Texas to adopt the orphaned girl, offering her the promise of a new life full of love and support.
The decision came after hearing about the young girl’s devastating loss through a local charity. Without any hesitation, Allen and Steinfeld knew that they had the resources and the heart to provide a safe home for her. This wasn’t just about adoption—it was about giving the child the chance to heal, grow, and find a sense of family amidst the chaos.
A Journey of Love and Commitment
The moment Josh and Hailee met the little girl, their hearts melted. Despite the unimaginable loss she had endured, the child displayed remarkable resilience, a quality that deeply resonated with the couple. In a private, tear-filled meeting, Josh and Hailee made it clear that they were ready to provide her with the unconditional love she deserved.
“We knew from the moment we heard her story that we couldn’t sit by,” Josh Allen said, reflecting on the decision. “This little girl deserves a future filled with love, security, and all the opportunities she never thought possible. Hailee and I are honored to be able to give her that.”
Hailee Steinfeld echoed Josh’s sentiments, adding, “This isn’t just about what we can give her—this is about making sure she knows she is cherished, that she belongs, and that she will never have to face the world alone again.”
The couple quickly worked through the necessary legalities and adoption processes, ensuring that the transition was as smooth and comforting as possible for the young girl. Their determination and commitment were evident in every step they took.
A Legacy Built on Kindness
News of Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld’s adoption decision has resonated far beyond the sports and entertainment worlds. Fans, friends, and fellow celebrities have praised the couple for their profound act of kindness. In a world where so many are quick to judge athletes and entertainers for their fame and wealth, Josh and Hailee have proven that true greatness lies in the ability to make a difference in the lives of others.
“Josh and Hailee have always been admired for their work, but this is the type of legacy that will be remembered long after they retire from their respective careers,” said sports journalist Laura Spencer. “They’ve shown us that being a hero is not just about what you do on a field or a screen—it’s about stepping up when others need you the most.”
The Allens’ New Chapter
For Josh and Hailee, this adoption marks a new chapter in their lives. With their hearts full, they are excited to welcome the young girl into their family. The decision to adopt has only deepened their bond as a couple and solidified their shared commitment to making a difference.
“We didn’t do this for the recognition, we did it because it’s the right thing to do,” Hailee said. “This child has brought so much joy into our lives already, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.”
As they embark on this new journey together, Josh and Hailee have shown that their success is not measured in touchdowns or awards, but in the lives they touch along the way. Their decision to adopt has not only given a child a second chance at life—it has also reminded us all that love, compassion, and family are the most powerful forces in the world.
