Za’Darius Smith’s NFC North journey took another turn when he was traded to the Detroit Lions ahead of the previous season’s trade deadline.
Smith had made it clear that he was eager to seek revenge on both the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings after joining the Lions. He expressed his satisfaction in being on “the other side now.” However, Packers and Vikings fans likely saw this ending coming from a mile away.
Just four months after trading two Day 3 draft picks to the Cleveland Browns to acquire Smith, the Lions decided to release the veteran pass-rusher. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Smith’s time in Detroit came to an abrupt end.
While Smith showed flashes of his ability, recording four sacks and 10 quarterback hits in eight games, his playoff performance left much to be desired. In Detroit’s early exit, Smith failed to register a sack and earned a dismal 27.9 PFF run defense grade. His struggles against the run, along with 13 missed tackles (ranking among the highest for edge defenders), led the Lions to reach the same conclusion the Packers had before them: Smith’s talent was overshadowed by his inconsistency and contract demands.
This move gives the Lions about $5.7 million in cap space but leaves them with a void in their pass-rushing lineup. While Smith remains a capable pass-rusher, his inability to contribute consistently in other areas ultimately led to his departure.
As for what’s next, will Smith make a full NFC North sweep by joining the Chicago Bears? Or will he express the same desire for revenge on the Lions as he did with the Packers and Vikings? Only time will tell. Though he’s a talented player, his inconsistent play has led to his departure from three NFC North teams. Packers fans saw this outcome as inevitable the moment the Lions made the trade.
