The Detroit Lions are going to need every edge they can find in what looks to be a competitive NFC North division chase.
However, according to head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions are settled at one of the position groups that every fan has pined for one additional piece — edge rusher.
When asked about why Detroit has not pursued a reunion with Pro Bowl edge rusher Za’Darius Smith on Wednesday, September 3, Campbell summed up his response in two words on Detroit’s 97.1 The Ticket.
“We’re good,” Campbell said, adding that he’s content with the Lions pass rush as it stands. “I mean, we’re pretty good here. We got (Marcus) Davenport, we got good depth, I like what we got on the interior, too, we got a lot of flexibility and we’re sitting pretty good right now. So we’re ready to go, man.”
Acquired at the trade deadline from the Cleveland Browns last season, Smith tallied four sacks and 36 quarterback pressures, ranking third in pressures in the final eight games of the regular season.
Smith did so without the benefits of lining up opposite Aidan Hutchinson, who missed most of last season with a knee injury.
The three-time Pro Bowler has expressed a desire to return. However, Detroit appears content rolling with Davenport, who has played just six games the past two seasons.
Dan Campbell Addresses Lions Starting Marcus Davenport
Ahead of the Lions’ season opener against the Green Bay Packers, Campbell raved about Davenport’s performance in training camp.
“Him opposite of Hutch, it’s pretty good right now. I think he just continues on the trajectory he’s at right now, and just take it one day at a time. I’m glad we got him.
“He’s done exactly what we’ve asked him to do,” Campbell added. “He’s got some versatility with his ability to play really in all the packages that we have. There’s nothing more that he needs to show me. I know he can do it all.”
The dilemma with Davenport, a former first-round pick, has been his injury history. He fell out of favor with the New Orleans Saints, and his durability has become front and center since then.
“He’s doing everything he can to take care of his body, and he went through a rigorous offseason to try to help all of that, which is a credit to him to put the work out. He’s in a good place right now,” Campbell added.
Za’Darius Smith Pitches Reunion With Lions
Inheriting Smith’s contract from the Browns, the Lions opted to release him and save $5.7 million in cap space. It was a cost-saving move that Detroit was unwavering over to help build out the rest of the roster.
But as edge rusher remained a major concern throughout the offseason, Smith spoke openly about his desire to return to Detroit.
“We both know where I want to be,” Smith said Monday at the BET Awards, per USA TODAY. “Hopefully I can get back to Detroit because the coaching staff and everybody in the front office are great. When I’m there I feel like a leader and like I can influence the young guys and do great things. Hopefully I can get back to where I want to be in Detroit.”
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