Update on Lions pass rusher is sure to ramp up calls for re-signing Za'Darius Smith

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell told reporters on Thursday that EDGE Josh Paschal is likely to return later than originally hoped for, as he was expected to be practicing again by September.

Paschal, who has been on the active/non-football injury list since last month, was expected to be back sometime early this season, but likely not by Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers. Now, it's sounding like Paschal will once again get designated as an NFI before the season begins as he's not ready just yet to provide help to the Lions' pass rush.

While Detroit has gotten the best news possible for that room this offseason with the return of Aidan Hutchinson and some great stuff from Marcus Davenport in training camp, the team really needs additionally depth at the pass rush behind Hutchinson. With Paschal now out for an undetermined amount of additional time, it feels about time for the Lions and Za'Darius Smith to get something done.

Lions need to sign pass rush help for Hutchinson

There are certainly some flashy options for the Lions out there as it pertains to adding help at the pass rush. Micah Parsons and Trey Hendrickson are both reportedly available for trade, with Parsons looking likelier to actually leave the Dallas Cowboys this offseason. However, the price tag for either of these players is so much more than just a good trade package.

General manager Brad Holmes would need to work out extensions for either of these players, and the team still hasn't extended Hutchinson. It's just not in the cards for a Lions team looking to rely on their continuity and chemistry.

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That's what makes bringing Smith back make the most sense. The former Lion landed with the team in 2024 after Hutchinson went down with a broken leg, immediately providing major quarterback pressure that had been missing in Hutchinson's absence. While he's a bit on the older side for a pass rusher, he was a really solid addition to the defense that did not miss any games.

The price might not be right for either side at the moment, which is why we keep seeing Smith posting himself on vacation rather than at the Lions' practice facility signing a deal. However, with this news about Paschal and the Lions' only options behind Davenport suddenly being Isaac Ukwu on the depth chart, bringing Smith back feels very important.

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