Aidan Hutchinson’s return to action after completing rehab is undoubtedly a huge boost for the Detroit Lions, as they look to continue building on their momentum from the previous season. Hutchinson, the second overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has quickly established himself as a key piece of the Lions’ defense, and his rehab process had been closely followed by fans and analysts alike. After a standout rookie year, where he racked up 9.5 sacks, 15 quarterback hits, and 3 fumble recoveries, Hutchinson showed that he could be a game-changer on the edge. Now that he’s back in action, Detroit’s defensive line is likely to be more imposing and difficult to deal with for opposing quarterbacks.
Hutchinson’s return is timely, as the Lions have aspirations to contend in a division that’s still very much up for grabs. The NFC North has been a competitive division for the last few years, but with the Green Bay Packers in a transition phase and the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears both inconsistent, the Lions have an opportunity to step up and assert themselves as a legitimate contender. Hutchinson’s presence should provide both a psychological and on-field advantage, especially with the added pressure of being a top draft pick and a leader on the defensive side.
The question that remains, though, is whether Hutchinson can carry the Lions’ defense on his back, or if they need to make more moves to bolster their pass rush. While Hutchinson is certainly talented, one of the hallmarks of a successful defense is having a variety of threats to keep offensive lines guessing. The Lions’ defensive line did show improvement last season, but the team’s pass rush was still middle of the pack in terms of sack totals and quarterback pressures. This is where the absence of Za’Darius Smith could come into play.
Smith, the former Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings standout, is a proven pass rusher who would be a major asset for any defense looking to increase their sack totals. However, reports are indicating that the Lions are not actively pursuing a deal with Smith, at least not at the moment. This could be for several reasons. Perhaps the Lions feel confident in their current edge-rushing rotation, which includes players like James Houston, who flashed his potential last season with 8 sacks in limited action. Maybe they believe that they can develop more pressure from within, or maybe they’re taking a more cautious approach to free agency this offseason.
One thing is clear: the Lions’ defense is a work in progress, and Hutchinson’s return to full health is an important part of that equation. While Smith’s pass-rushing expertise could provide an immediate upgrade, the team may feel that their young core is ready to take a step forward without the need for additional external help. Given the rise of players like Hutchinson, Houston, and others, Detroit’s defense could become significantly more dangerous with a little more time and development.
That said, the addition of Smith could still be a game-changer. Adding a veteran pass rusher with experience in both the 3-4 and 4-3 schemes could make a huge impact in key moments, particularly in the playoffs. The Lions have an exciting young roster, and while they might not be pushing hard for a deal with Smith right now, it’s always possible that Detroit could revisit the idea as the season progresses.
In conclusion, Aidan Hutchinson’s rehab completion marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Lions’ defense. While the team may not be discussing a deal with Za’Darius Smith at the moment, the defense has plenty of potential with Hutchinson leading the way. If they can develop more consistency and pressure from other players, Detroit might be able to take their defense to the next level, making them even more dangerous in the NFC North and beyond. The next few months will be critical in determining if the Lions can put all the pieces together and capitalize on their growing talent.
