The Za'Darius Smith Revenge Tour hasn't reached its final stop just yet.
Ever since his Pro Bowl run with the Green Bay Packers concluded, Smith has spoken openly about wanting to get back at them. He told the TV broadcast that he got his "revenge again" following the Detroit Lions' win over the Packers last December.
Well, despite Detroit releasing Smith this offseason, the former Pro Bowl pass-rusher is pushing for a return. He revealed his hope to play for the Lions in a recent interview with USA Today at the 2025 BET Awards.
"We both know where I want to be," Smith said. "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."
It's somewhat surprising the Lions haven't already reunited with Smith, especially given their apparent unwillingness to fix their pass rush.
Packers fans best get used to a potential Za'Darius Smith return
It feels inevitable. It's rare for a veteran player to push for a return to a team that released him earlier in the offseason. Smith helped the Lions' pass rush after they lost Aidan Hutchinson last season, making four sacks in eight games for Dan Campbell's squad.
The Lions have Hutchinson back, but they still lack a top-tier pass-rusher opposite him. A Hutchinson-Smith pairing would make a lot of sense, and it's surely only a matter of time before the Lions wake up and realize this.
Smith is entering his age-33 season but proved he is still a productive pass-rusher. Including his time with the Cleveland Browns before the trade to Detroit last term, Smith made nine sacks in 17 games, while Pro Football Focus credited him with an impressive 67 pressures.
The Lions have their share of concerns ahead of their bid to win three straight NFC North titles, but this should be an easy decision for Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes.
Packers fans, get ready for it. It sure seems like Smith will soon bring the revenge tour back to Lambeau Field this season.