Yep. I guess my wording was a little poor. My intention by the Lions ‘picking it up’ was more of if they choose to keep him around. But glad you clarified since I do think my wording was poor!
I don’t think the best use of an older Z is as a high volume starting Edge. I think if you manage his snap counts and move him up and down the line on passing downs, in particularly leaning into 3T and standup A gap mug like rush attempts, then you can get another 8-10 sacks out of him.
I still think a can crushing base end is pretty high up on the priority list though I still think it might be Davenport on a cheap price it incentive laden deal with a mid to late round rookie as insurance.
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Agreed Curious… And even with all the Lions injuries on the dline. ZaDarius only played about 30-35 snaps per game. I was actually surprised how low his snap count was in several games considering all the injuries. We were using him mostly as pass rusher.
I want to keep him for sure. But not cheap for a part time player.
Example of what I mean.
Hutch 4.5 games played - 280 snaps
ZaDarius 8 games played - 291 snaps
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At age 33, he still had 9 sacks, 4 with the Lions in which offensive game plans only to had to account for him.
I do agree that they need to add another guy but Z alongside Hutch is just fine with me, there’s still some gas left in that tank as a complimentary pass rusher.
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Veteran pass rush is expensive. Josh Sweat is probably going to get something like 4/80m which is IMO ridiculous but that is just the world we live in.
If you think he can replicate what he was after coming over then I don’t think he’s really that expensive. He’s probably more like fair market value.
Brad in his most recent press conference referred to their deadline pursuit of EDGE help as perhaps the most difficult player acquisition journey of his career. I don’t think he would take moving on from Z lightly.
Maybe we can do a two year deal with a little bit of guaranteed money on '26. Get him a similar pay out with a more beneficial structure. But I just don’t see us straight up cutting him.
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I wouldn’t mind two. One big base end and one smallest Edge only DPR. Though I remain unconvinced that we place much value on the latter role.
This is like the thread regarding a certain play that resulted in a negative outcome that was addressed by the head coach…
You have 3 options:
A. Accept what the GM has said about acquiring the Edge player.
B. Listen to what he said about acquiring an Edge player and conclude it’s smoke.
C. Ignore what the GM said about acquiring the player and live inside your own thought bubble.
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DPJ is a bum. Smith is not. There is no comparison between the two except for the fact Brad traded for both. Expectations and production for both is not comparable.
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When I heard Holmes say that my initial reaction wasn’t about Smith but instead it was, “Guess we’re carpet bombing Edge.”
That may be because I’ve always just assumed Smith would be back.
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I don’t see any way Smith isn’t back next season. By the sound of it he fit like a glove culture wise, and if he can be DE3 on the depth chart that’s when we’ll get the best out of him.
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After his experience this season I’m confident Holmes will do what he can to stack pass rushers.
Davenport, a high draft pick, and an undrafted free agent edge with upside.
I also think a DT is likely on the early draft menu.
I don’t think it would be overreacting to this freak season on the D-Line.
The NFC North has a bunch of great play callers. Just like the CB position was attacked last season (4 CB’s added including 3 new starters), I think the D-Line will be addressed as well to provide pressure to these young QB’s.
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C’mon, man. Buddy’s out there trying. Enough so that we kept him around on the Practice Squad.
Give him a little more love than just calling him a bum, LOL.
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Risdon postulated on their first Senior Bowl Podcast that they may be rethinking Edge types and go and get a twitchy 250 pound type of Edge. Personally I think they’ll stick to the power profile but I do agree that flavor would help. Perhaps we can find it in a guy that can be developed as a SAM 
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I now the defense will be similar but not identical.
AG used more 3 LB personnel than anyone in the league by far.
Will Shep prefer more 5 DB personnel or more twitchy Edges as you suggest.
That might be a tough fight in his 1st year as DC.
Dan likes a crush the pocket BIG End more than a bendy speed rusher.
Holmes doubled down and indicated they wouldn’t be changing the types of players they drafted.
I agree. Shep may be able to get his twitchy Edge by tagging him as a SamLB for Holmes.
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I think its 50/50 He reowrks or is cut an resigns will be the 2 options best for Lions an he picks between the two whats best for him. He is not a must sign he is a backup role player with experience . He can be positive depth thats about it.
He will have to bust his ass to m=make the final 53 by time we add a FA an a draft pick . As fan I welcome him if cost is good for team if he walks then he walks.
If we’re talking Von Miller type, of course.
We did have Dan and his reference to 6’6" 280 lbs, but shoot, even Hutchinson doesn’t reach that metric.
I think we need to resume our effort into identifying WHAT we’re looking for at both DE and SAM. @Thats2 where did we leave off?
Well there’s some things that have held true to this point:
For all prospects: Football intelligence, grit, good teammate, hot motor, loves the game.
For edges: Power profile, set an edge, preferably on the way to the QB.
SAM: Almost a traditional 3-4 OLB but even better at the linebacker-y aspects of the game. Probably a little more LB than pass-rusher, but must do both.
How much wiggle room is there? That’s the question. Crosby isn’t a big edge, only 255 or so, but he plays the run well especially for his size.
I think Z. Smith is a lock to be back but I can also see him at a lower cap # too.
Hutch, Z. Smith, Paschal, a re-signed Muhammad and a top rookie and that is a sweet position group.
I think theres a place and role for Muhammad to return too. He produced and would make a nice depth piece on this line.
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