ESPN: Detroit Lions veteran DE joins Buffalo Bills

Could a former defensive end for the Lions join an AFC contender?

A former defensive end is still the focus of free agency rumors and conjecture, despite the Detroit Lions having begun full-team workouts.

Supporters continue to admire and desire veteran defensive end Za’Darius Smith, who was dealt from the Cleveland Browns to the Lions prior to the 2024 trade deadline.

Even though Detroit selected rookie Ahmed Hassanein and re-signed Marcus Davenport,

The 32-year-old was predicted to be a good match for the Buffalo Bills in a recent Sports Illustrated article that identified the top unsigned NFL free agents and their best fits.

“Smith’s best days are behind him, but he proved last season with the Detroit Lions that he’s still capable of being a reliable rotational player for a Super Bowl contender,” says Gilberto Manzano. “Joey Bosa was already signed by the Bills, but he has had trouble staying healthy in recent seasons and most recently had a calf injury. Buffalo still needs depth behind No. 1 edge rusher Gregory Rousseau, even if Bosa is healthy come seasontime. Smith has 69 career sacks in 10 NFL seasons and is about to begin his 33rd season.

Despite being a consistent postseason challenger, Buffalo has struggled to overcome a strong core group of players led by quarterback Josh Allen.

The defensive line’s performance will be closely watched and evaluated because Detroit has a new defensive coordinator and defensive line coach.

Even though they can consistently put pressure on the quarterback, the club can still increase their total number of sacks this coming season.

There should still be a few teams interested in Smith if he doesn’t return to Detroit, either at the beginning of training camp or later in the regular season.