Could Lions undrafted free agent signing signal a reunion with Za'Darius Smith?

One of the biggest topics for the Detroit Lions' 2025 NFL draft was the team adding an edge rusher, which general manager Brad Holmes didn't do until the sixth round.

The Lions ended their edge rusher drought with the selection of Boise State EDGE Ahmed Hassanein, who was taken with the No. 196 overall pick. By the way, Hassanein absolutely crushed his first media availability.

The problem, however, is that as much as we like Hassanein, he's hardly guaranteed to deliver what the Lions need opposite Aidan Hutchinson, especially with him being a late-round selection.

With the Lions' dire need, and with apparent financial constraints, the best course of action seems to be re-signing Za'Darius Smith, who the Lions cut earlier this offseason but haven't closed the door on bringing back.

RELATED: Lions undrafted free agent tracker

In what might be a positive sign that a reunion could be in the cards, the Lions have reportedly signed Smith's nephew, Syracuse wide receiver Jackson Meeks, to an undrafted free agent contract — and a big one, too.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Lions are signing Meeks to a guaranteed $200,000 deal that includes a $20,000 signing bonus.

And, in the wake of all that, Smith shared the news of his nephew's signing on Instagram.

And let the games begin. From Za'Darius Smith IG. pic.twitter.com/Bat36fx5vz

Now, is connecting his nephew's signing with the Lions to a possible reunion with Smith desperate?

Maybe, but that's just the reality we're in when it comes to Detroit's edge rusher group. This team will not be fully ready to compete for a Super Bowl without upgrading the position in some form or fashion.

Smith isn't the sexy splash Lions fans are hoping for when they once dreamed of Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby, and now dream of Trey Hendrickson, but he's more than adequate as a running mate for Hutchinson.

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