The Detroit Lions are cutting standout defensive end Za’Darius Smith ahead of 2025 NFL free agency.
Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Lions are releasing Za’Darius Smith from the final season of the two-year, $23 million deal he signed with the Cleveland Browns last year. Smith will head to free agency, which officially begins on Wednesday.
By releasing Smith, the Lions save $5.7 million in cap space. GM Brad Holmes acquired the former Green Bay Packers star from the Browns ahead of the trade deadline in exchange for 2025 fifth and 2026 sixth-round picks.
The 32-year-old Smith had five sacks in Cleveland before the trade, posting four more in eight games with the Lions. He has recorded 8.5 sacks five times in his career, with four of those campaigns coming in the last six years.
Given his consistent production and the never-ending need for quality pass rushers, there should be considerable interest in Za’Darius Smith when free agency officially begins. Having nine games of playoff experience under his belt doesn’t hurt, either.
Over 140 career games, Smith has 69 sacks, 16 pass breakups and 10 forced fumbles.
Which Teams Could Target Za’Darius Smith?
Smith will probably prioritize a Super Bowl contender at this phase of his career, and it doesn’t make sense for non-competitive teams to sign a soon-to-be 33-year-old to a multi-year deal.
Teams that stand out as logical landing spots for Smith include the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills (following Von Miller’s release), Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams and Denver Broncos).
