ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Just how challenging is it to sack Jayden Daniels? Za’Darius Smith can certainly attest to that. The veteran defensive end, who was traded to the Detroit Lions midseason, faced off against the elusive rookie quarterback earlier this year while still with the Cleveland Browns.
“I’ve seen a chicken in a chicken coop. That’s what it’s like,” Smith shared during a reflection on Wednesday. “I got him once, but I missed him twice.”
Now, Smith is gearing up for another shot at containing Daniels, a crucial element in the Lions’ game plan for the NFC divisional playoff this Saturday night at Ford Field (8 p.m. ET, Fox).
Daniels impressed in his rookie campaign, rushing for 891 yards, second only to Lamar Jackson‘s 915 yards among NFL quarterbacks. His ability to avoid sacks and make plays with his legs was exemplified during a game-winning scramble in Tampa Bay last Sunday, where he escaped pressure and set up the decisive field goal with a key 4-yard run in the game’s final seconds.
For Za’Darius Smith, 32, who’s registered nine sacks this season, the task is far from easy. Now in his 10th NFL season, he stands as the most seasoned player on the Lions’ defense, providing valuable insight into the growing challenge of facing increasingly mobile quarterbacks like the 24-year-old Daniels.
“The older I get, the younger the quarterbacks get,” Smith joked, acknowledging the shifting dynamics in the league.
More news……
Lions expected to sign Patriots running back to a $1.75 million deal
The Detroit Lions arguably boast one of the best running back situations in the NFL with the duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, both of whom are under contract through 2025, ensuring their continued presence. However, the backup spots behind them are less certain heading into the future. Both Craig Reynolds and Jermar Jefferson are set to become free agents in 2025, and it’s unclear what role rookie running back Sione Vaki will play.
If the Lions decide not to retain either Jefferson or Reynolds, they may want to consider adding a veteran backup, especially given the injury history of both Montgomery and Gibbs over the past couple of seasons.
In a piece predicting the future of New England Patriots’ pending free agents, Cam Garrity of Patriots Wire suggests that the team will not re-sign running back JaMycal Hasty and anticipates the veteran landing with the Lions on a one-year, $1.75 million contract.
Hasty joined the Patriots and managed to secure a roster spot by outperforming Kevin Harris, but he has struggled to make a substantial impact. With Antonio Gibson and Rhamondre Stevenson under contract, and the recent signing of Terrell Jennings, the Patriots are unlikely to retain Hasty, especially with Harris likely returning for training camp.
Prediction: Lions, one-year, $1.75m
Hasty has served as a reliable backup for several years and brings dual-threat capability due to his receiving skills. Over his five seasons in the NFL, the undrafted free agent has averaged 4.0 yards per carry, with 60 receptions for 375 yards and two touchdowns.
In 2024, Hasty’s role was limited as the No. 3 back, where he posted 20 carries for 69 yards (3.5 yards per carry) and 10 receptions for 59 yards. Although his numbers weren’t impressive, it’s worth noting that the Patriots had a subpar offensive line.
The most likely outcome for the Lions is bringing back Reynolds and/or Jefferson to maintain the current setup. However, if neither is retained, it’s possible the team could target a veteran like Hasty.
