Za'Darius Smith just proved the Lions were right all along
After Aidan Hutchinson suffered a season-ending broken leg last season, Za'Darius Smith quickly stood out as a potential edge rusher trade target for the Detroit Lions. A deal got done on trade deadline day, and after the season, general manager Brad Holmes openly talked about how arduous the process was.
Due in large part to how the contract he had with the Cleveland Browns was structured in terms of void years and timing of a big bonus payout, and apparently without being able to agree about a revision to that contract, the Lions waived Smith in March.
For months, as Holmes would get defiant about the perceived lack of attention to adding another capable edge rusher, the idea that Smith could return to the Lions lingered. It also started to become more unlikely.
In early September, Smith signed with a fellow NFC Super Bowl contender, the Philadelphia Eagles. Through six games in a part-time role (38 percent snap share), he showed he had plenty left in the tank (1.5 sacks, Pro Football Focus' 23rd-ranked edge rusher).
Brad Holmes' decision on Za'Darius Smith looks even more savvy now
Criticism of the Lions' decision not to bring Smith has been basically eliminated by the early-season performance of Al-Quadin Muhammad (4.5 sacks, 18 pressures) as a force opposite Hutchinson.
On Monday, out of nowhere, Smith announced his retirement via a post on Instagram.
Holmes at one point acknowledged he was maintaining some level of contact with Smith and/or his agent. Why Smith waited so long to sign with any team, even if he didn't come back to the Lions, was odd.
As an older player, he may have wanted to avoid as much of training camp as possible, if not all of it, and any team that tried to sign him possibly had to have the understanding he would not sign until he did.
The Eagles also played the Thursday night season opener, so signing him right after, like they did, allowed them to avoid guaranteeing his entire base salary for the season.
Beyond anyone's talent level, Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell want players who have full buy-in. If Smith didn't want to sign until the end of training camp or after roster cuts, or if he was willing to wait until after Week 1 with the guaranteed salary thing in mind, it may have landed wrong in Allen Park.
Holmes' instincts are as good as any general manager's in the league. So even if Smith didn't openly say retirement was somewhere on his mind, conversations could have offered hints he would do so if he didn't find the right team to sign with before the season. And six weeks in, he decided he didn't want to finish the season.
Holmes never seemed all that enthused about bringing Smith back to the Lions, whatever played into that. He now looks clairvoyant for having that hesitation, since he would now be searching for a replacement as the trade deadline fast approaches.
BREAKING NEWS: Matt LaFleur’s Historic Contract Secures His Future with the Packers
In a groundbreaking move that is sending shockwaves through the NFL, the Green Bay Packers have announced an unprecedented contract for their star head coach, Matt LaFleur. Team owner Mark Murphy revealed that LaFleur, one of the league’s most resilient and innovative coaches, has signed a deal that will keep him with the Packers for life—an historic commitment that sets a new standard in the NFL. This contract is about more than football; it’s about cementing the bond between LaFleur and the city of Green Bay for generations to come.
“THIS ISN’T JUST A CONTRACT; IT’S A LEGACY. MATT LAFLEUR ISN’T JUST THE FUTURE OF THE PACKERS—HE IS GREEN BAY. FROM THE MOMENT HE JOINED THE TEAM, HE BECAME OUR IDENTITY, OUR HEART. THIS IS MORE THAN FOOTBALL—IT’S ABOUT HONORING A CONNECTION BETWEEN COACH AND CITY THAT WILL LAST FOREVER,” said Murphy in a statement that has resonated deeply with both fans and players across the league.
LaFleur, who became the Packers' head coach in 2019, has quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic and forward-thinking coaches in the NFL. Known for his offensive mind, leadership, and ability to adapt to the ever-evolving league, LaFleur has already proven time and time again that he is a game-changer. His ability to lead the team, make critical decisions, and develop young talent has made him the cornerstone of the Packers’ future and one of the league's most respected coaches.
This deal, however, represents more than just a financial commitment to LaFleur’s coaching performance. It’s a bold statement that the Packers are fully invested in their future and their head coach. LaFleur’s deep connection to Green Bay, his passion for the game, and his vision for the team have made him a beloved figure in the city, and the Packers are making it clear that he is the foundation upon which they will continue to build their championship hopes.
LaFleur’s journey with the Packers has been nothing short of spectacular. From his early days as an offensive coordinator to leading the team to multiple playoff appearances and NFC Championship games, LaFleur has proven that he is a coach who can handle the pressure and lead his team to success. His leadership and ability to develop future stars have earned him the respect and admiration of teammates, players, and fans alike.
With this new contract, LaFleur will continue to be the face of the Packers for the foreseeable future, guiding the team as they aim to compete at the highest level in the NFC. His leadership and success on the field have already made him a household name, and now, with this lifetime commitment, he will be remembered as one of the most significant figures in the franchise’s history.
As Murphy stated, “This is more than football.” This contract represents a partnership between a coach and a city, a bond that will endure long after LaFleur’s coaching career has ended. For the Packers and their passionate fanbase, this is just the beginning of a new era, one where Matt LaFleur will remain the symbol of the team’s strength, resilience, and relentless pursuit of greatness.
In an NFL where coaches often come and go, the Packers have ensured they will have one of the most reliable and innovative minds in the league for the long haul. With LaFleur leading the charge, the future in Green Bay has never looked brighter. This is not just a contract; this is a legacy, and it’s one that will be remembered for years to come.
