🚫 NO CONTACT: Lions GM Brad Holmes Shuts Down Za’Darius Smith Rumors — “We Haven’t Talked to Him”

The rumor mill has been spinning at full speed lately when it comes to the Detroit Lions and veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith, but General Manager Brad Holmes just pumped the brakes on all of it. In a clear and direct statement, Holmes confirmed that the Lions have not had any recent contact with Smith and that the rumors flying around social media and in certain corners of NFL coverage are just that—rumors. “We haven’t talked to him,” Holmes said bluntly when asked about any potential discussions with the three-time Pro Bowler.

And with that, a whole section of Lions Twitter fell silent—for now, anyway.

This all started a few days ago when speculation ramped up following some vague Instagram activity, a handful of mysterious eye emojis, and a few analyst takes that Za’Darius Smith would be a “perfect fit” for Detroit’s defense. Toss in the fact that the Lions are one of the most hyped teams heading into the 2025 season and still looking for that one more disruptive piece on the edge, and fans were ready to believe that Smith was one phone call away from suiting up in Honolulu Blue.

But Holmes’ statement makes it clear: don’t believe the hype—at least not yet.

To be fair, it’s easy to see why fans got excited. Za’Darius Smith is a big name with a proven track record. At 32, he’s still playing at a high level and has shown he can get to the quarterback with consistency, versatility, and violence. Coming off a solid year in Cleveland, he remains one of the most dangerous edge presences still floating in free agency. On paper, he seems like the type of veteran who could rotate in, help mentor younger guys like Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston, and bring a little more bite to Detroit’s pass rush. The idea of pairing Smith’s power with Hutchinson’s motor had people dreaming of sack parties on Ford Field turf all fall.

But as of right now, those dreams are just that.

According to Holmes, there haven’t been any conversations with Smith’s camp. No meetings. No feelers. No negotiations. That doesn’t necessarily mean the door is closed forever, but it does mean fans might need to cool their jets a bit before rushing out to Photoshop Smith into a Lions jersey.

And honestly, this kind of moment says a lot about where the Lions are right now. Detroit isn’t the team begging for scraps in late August anymore. They’re not desperate. They’re not chasing names just to make headlines. Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell have built a culture that’s about fit—not flash. If a guy doesn’t match the vision, the mindset, or the locker room chemistry, it doesn’t matter what his stat sheet says or how many Pro Bowls he’s been to. The Lions want dogs who want to be here, who are all in on the grind, and who understand that this team is trying to do something special—and sustainable.

That’s not a shot at Smith. By all accounts, he’s a great teammate and a respected vet. But it’s a reminder that Detroit isn’t out here throwing darts. They’re playing chess, and Holmes isn’t in the business of making moves just because Twitter says it’s a good idea.

Of course, the Lions’ pass rush is still a topic worth discussing. Aidan Hutchinson is the centerpiece—no question. He’s coming off a breakout year and looks every bit like a long-term franchise cornerstone. Then there’s James Houston, the lightning-fast outside linebacker who made waves as a rookie with his freaky ability to close on quarterbacks in a blink. If he takes another step, watch out. Add in players like Josh Paschal, Romeo Okwara, and John Cominsky, and you’ve got a solid group. But there’s still room to wonder if they’ll be able to generate consistent pressure, especially in big playoff moments against top-tier quarterbacks.

That’s why a guy like Smith gets people talking. He’s proven. He’s physical. He’s a closer.

Still, Holmes is trusting the plan. The roster has been carefully crafted to grow together. The front office has been extremely deliberate about not overreacting or chasing headlines. Even last offseason, when fans were calling for splashy moves on defense, the team leaned on development, internal chemistry, and trust in their coaching staff. And what happened? They turned into a top contender and one of the most dangerous teams in the league.

So, no, Za’Darius Smith isn’t in Detroit right now. He’s not flying in for a visit, and he’s not secretly inking a deal behind the scenes—despite what some people with burner accounts might be saying. What he is, though, is a reminder of where the Lions are now. They’re in a position where a free agent like Smith being linked to them feels like a real possibility, not just a fan fantasy. That says something about the respect the team is getting league-wide. Detroit is now a place veterans would want to go. That alone is a big shift from just a few years ago.

But Holmes and Campbell aren’t rushing it. They know the team’s window is wide open. They know they’re building something with real legs, and they’re not about to jeopardize that by forcing a move that doesn’t line up with their timeline or their locker room vibe. And if that means letting a name like Za’Darius Smith go elsewhere? So be it.

At the same time, this isn’t the end of the conversation. The NFL is unpredictable, and the roster is never fully set. Injuries happen. Opportunities open up. Veteran signings can still happen in September or even later, especially if the team feels they need one more push piece for a title run. So, don’t write off the idea of Smith to Detroit forever—just don’t expect it tomorrow. Holmes made it clear they haven’t picked up the phone yet, and that’s what matters right now.

What also matters is the confidence this team has in its current core. They believe in Hutch. They believe in their scheme. They believe that the best defense is still ahead of them. And they believe that if they do make a move, it’s going to be because it helps them win—not because it helps them trend on social media for 48 hours.

So to the fans out there refreshing their feeds for a Za’Darius update, take a deep breath. Yes, the idea is fun. Yes, it would be a wild addition to an already hungry defense. But Holmes is sticking to the script. And if history has taught us anything over the past two years, it’s that the man knows what he’s doing.

And hey, if you’ve got thoughts on the idea of adding a veteran like Smith—or maybe someone else—drop them in the comments. If you came across this from the Facebook post, go ahead and sound off there too. Would you pull the trigger if you were Holmes? Or do you like the young core the way it is? Let’s hear it. Lions fans have never been shy about their opinions, and now’s the perfect time to keep that energy alive as the 2025 season draws closer.

For now, though, the official word is simple and clear: the Lions have not talked to Za’Darius Smith. So we move forward—with focus, with patience, and with a whole lot of bite still coming off that edge.

Detroit isn’t chasing ghosts anymore. They’re hunting wins.