The Detroit Lions and Za’Darius Smith have been trending toward a reunion next season, but the money hasn’t checked out. The Lions released Smith [over a $2 million roster bonus](https://detroitjockcity.com/lions-gm-reveals-why-he-let-za-darius-smith-walk-and-it-s-a-terrible-reason-01jqpfpq0h7c) in March and the 32-year-old has spent his time hanging around Detroit and waiting for his former team to give him a call.
While the price hasn’t been right, Smith continues to wait the Lions out. But Brad Holmes gained the perfect amount of leverage as a major NFL trade could have the former Pro Bowler returning to Detroit on their terms.
Bryce Huff Trade Give Lions Perfect Leverage Against Za’Darius Smith Reunion
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
ESPN’s Adam Schefter was one of several outlets to break the news that the Philadelphia Eagles are trending toward trading Bryce Huff to the San Francisco 49ers. The deal has not become official and isn’t supposed to go through until after June 1, but Huff has already reworked his contract to help facilitate the trade.
Huff is entering the second year of a three-year, $51.1 million contract, but fell out of favor in Philadelphia. After collecting a career-high 10 sacks and 67 quarterback pressures with the New York Jets in 2023, Huff saw his pressure rate drop from 20% to 12.1% according to Pro Football Focus and was a healthy scratch for the Eagles’ Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
The deal is a reunion with former Jets head coach Robert Saleh, who is entering his second stint as the defensive coordinator for the 49ers. But it also leaves Smith with one less option to find a new home in 2025.
Smith was still effective as a pass-rusher last season, collecting nine sacks and 67 quarterback pressures between the Lions and the Cleveland Browns. While teams are always looking for help on the edge, Smith has limited options thanks to [some of the bridges he’s burned](https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/za-darius-smith-irate-still-at-packers) and a high asking price that has prevented his return to Detroit.
It will be interesting to see whether Smith and the Lions can find common ground on a reunion. But with the season approaching, Smith is running out of time and may have to cave in if he wants to return to Detroit.
### **More Detroit Lions News & Rumors:**