Lions predicted to sign $23M veteran with 69 sacks to pair with Michigan legend Aidan Hutchinson

The Detroit Lions are aiming for the Super Bowl after falling short in the playoffs last season. Last year, they had to navigate the season without pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who will now start the year healthy. However, the Lions are still looking for additional options to help ease the pressure on him.

Coming off an ACL injury is tough, so all eyes are on Hutchinson. Despite the setback, Hutchinson feels confident about his condition heading into training camp.

“I’m exactly where I need to be,” Hutchinson told CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson. “Every year I’ve been able to improve on my own physical attributes along with the mental ones, so I feel like every year I take a step. Despite having that rehab this offseason, I feel like I’m in the perfect spot and exactly where I need to be going into Year 4.”

On Sunday, the Lions received tough news as defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike tore his ACL and could be out for the season.

“Defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike will miss the 2025-26 season with a torn ACL, head coach Dan Campbell announced on Sunday. It was a ‘significant’ injury, in Campbell's words, and Onwuzurike has already undergone surgery to repair the tear,” Yahoo Sports’ Ian Casselberry wrote.

Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox believes the Lions should consider reuniting with Za’Darius Smith, especially after Onwuzurike’s injury.

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

“While Detroit allowed Smith to walk early this offseason, they should strongly consider bringing him back now. The Lions did little to bolster their pass rush aside from re-signing Marcus Davenport, and Smith is probably the best complement to Aidan Hutchinson that they're going to find this late in the offseason—barring a trade for a player like Trey Hendrickson,” Knox wrote.

Bringing Smith back would add a familiar face to the locker room and provide the defensive line with another key piece after losing a significant player. Adding Smith alongside Hutchinson could be crucial in helping the Lions reach the Super Bowl.