The Detroit Lions waived UDFA Nate Lynn ahead of Tuesday's deadline to submit a finalized 53-man roster, according to Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News. Lynn was a standout pass rusher for the Lions throughout the preseason and in training camp, making that move a bit shocking considering the Lions' biggest need is at that position.
Of course, the one thing that makes a ton of sense after this waive is that Detroit is likely preparing to bring back former DE Za'Darius Smith. Smith has been a free agent all summer, did not participate in camp or the preseason, and yet has continued to draw interest from Detroit after he had an excellent year with them in 2024.
Lynn being waived in addition to Brodric Martin and Dan Skipper shows that they're clearing space on the defensive line - and on their books - for someone specific. Smith just makes the most sense as that someone.
Smith's return becoming even likelier after latest waiving
Lynn would have been a great addition to the pass rush behind either Marcus Davenport or Aidan Hutchinson, but now that position is only backed up by Al-Quadin Muhammad and, potentially, Isaac Ukwu. However, Ukwu didn't impress consistently in training camp or the preseason, so it's hard to imagine he's kept on board while Lynn is waived.
Smith and the Lions have been in a back and forth public negotiation throughout this offseason, with neither side ever getting antsy enough to get a deal done. Smith told USA Today during the BET Awards that he'd love to return to the Lions, like general manager Brad Holmes told reporters he was keeping in touch with the pass rusher and would be interested in bringing him back.
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Smith arrived to Detroit via trade with the Cleveland Browns last year, filling in for the injured Aidan Hutchinson on the defensive line. He finished up his year with four sacks, 12 total tackles, three stuffs, and one pass defended in his eight games played with the Lions. He was a steady force for them on a line missing both Hutchinson and Davenport, but was allowed to walk in the offseason.
Detroit's up to something. That much is clear. This is beyond just keeping the best of the best on the roster, especially as the team is all too aware of how quickly injuries and the lack of proper backups can sink a season. Smith just seems primed to be next up on their priority list once more cuts are finalized.