In a move aimed at freeing up salary cap space, the Detroit Lions have decided to part ways with veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith after just one season with the team.
With this decision, the Lions will clear $5.7 million from their salary cap and avoid paying Smith’s option bonus. The former Kentucky standout, originally drafted in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, was brought in as temporary depth behind Aidan Hutchinson last season. Though Smith had some strong performances, he finished the season with just four sacks, three tackles for loss, and 10 quarterback hits across eight games.
Despite previously expressing his desire to compete for a Super Bowl with Detroit, Smith now finds himself searching for a new opportunity. The return of Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport made his release more likely, and the Lions ultimately chose to move forward without him. While Detroit may attempt to re-sign him, Smith now enters a free-agent market stacked with talented pass rushers such as Joey Bosa, Josh Sweat, and Haason Reddick. A handful of teams may try to secure his services before the Lions get the chance.
Potential Destinations for Smith
Baltimore Ravens
A reunion with the Ravens is a realistic possibility. Baltimore lost Jadeveon Clowney last offseason and is in need of experienced pass rushers. Smith could step in as an upgrade over Trenton Simpson and David Ojabo. Currently, the Ravens’ most reliable edge rushers are Kyle Van Noy and Roquan Smith. While Smith may not be at his peak, he could still be a key addition to help fortify Baltimore’s defensive front.
Los Angeles Chargers
New head coach Jim Harbaugh thrives on building physical, hard-nosed defenses, making Smith a potential fit. The Chargers may look to retain Poona Ford, but discussions about Teair Tart’s future have been minimal. If Tart departs, Smith could step in on a short-term deal. Additionally, with Khalil Mack hitting free agency, the Chargers need to find pass-rushing reinforcements, particularly with Joey Bosa’s status uncertain.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs recently ensured linebacker Nick Bolton’s return, but the future of pass rusher Josh Uche remains unclear after a quiet 2024 season. If Uche does not re-sign, Smith could be a valuable addition on a veteran-friendly contract. While Kansas City may not offer him a lucrative deal, the opportunity to play for a championship-caliber team could be enticing.
Dallas Cowboys
With DeMarcus Lawrence potentially on his way out in free agency, Dallas may need to reinforce its pass rush. While Micah Parsons remains the top priority for the Cowboys, there have been no significant updates on contract negotiations. Although team owner Jerry Jones has stated the Cowboys will not be aggressive in free agency, signing Smith could be a smart move to pair him with Parsons and bolster the team’s defense.
Washington Commanders
Washington has focused on surrounding rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels with offensive talent, but now the team could shift its attention to defense. With ample cap space, the Commanders may look to strengthen their defensive line. Dante Fowler Jr. is a free agent, and while the team recently signed Bobby Wagner to a one-year deal, they could still pursue an experienced edge rusher like Smith to add depth to their front seven.
With multiple teams potentially in the mix, Smith’s next destination remains uncertain, but he will likely land with a contender looking to improve its pass rush.
