Patriots predicted to add Lions $11 million cap casualty as pass rush upgrade

Hopes are high for the New England Patriots going into the 2025 NFL season after quarterback Drake Maye showed promise and 2024, and after the team hired head coach Mike Vrabel earlier this offseason.

New England has made some significant additions this offseason to improve, and that is especially true on defense, where the team signed linebacker Robert Spillane and cornerback Carlton Davis III, and traded for outside linebacker Harold Landry.

Even with those moves, the Patriots are still sitting pretty with a whopping $67.3 million in cap space, so the team could still make more moves.

One move the Patriots have been predicted to make is the signing of former Detroit Lions edge rusher Za'Darius Smith, who was cut this offseason in a move that will save the Lions $11 million or so.

The prediction comes from Logan Ulrich of NFL Trade Rumors, who notes that the Pats can outbid any team to land the three-time Pro Bowler because of their league-high cap space number.

"Teams like the Commanders and Lions have a healthy amount of cap space and a significant need for a pass rusher, but the Patriots still have nearly $70 million in cap space - by far the most in the league," Ulrich writes. "New England also needs pass rush reinforcements, as that's one of the biggest remaining weakness for a team that could be poised to take a major step forward in 2025."

On the surface, it would look like the Lions didn't want Smith, but the truth is that general manager Brad Holmes admitted the team simply couldn't afford him.

Even as he prepares to turn 33, Smith has shown he's got plenty left in the tank after tallying nine sacks in 17 games in 2024. He posted five for the Cleveland Browns in nine contests before totaling four over eight games with the Lions following a deadline trade.

Adding Smith across from Landry could be the missing piece to the front seven the Patriots need to take a huge step forward defensively and compete with the Buffalo Bills for a division crown.

At the very least, Smith would help put the Pats in position to jump the Miami Dolphins, who are considered the second-best team in the division.

Smith likely wants to join a contender at this stage in his career, something the Pats don't figure to be. However, if New England is willing to go over the $11 million Smith was set to make in 2025 with the Lions, that could change his mind.