At first glance, the Detroit Lions had little choice but to part ways with Za’Darius Smith due to the way his contract was structured. With nearly $9 million in bonuses due early in the 2025 league year, retaining him under those terms was unrealistic. Attempts to renegotiate or lower his salary seemingly failed, leading to his release just before free agency began.
From a financial standpoint, cutting Smith made sense, as it freed up $5.7 million in cap space without any dead money. However, the Lions’ subsequent moves at the edge rusher position raise valid concerns. Their most notable signing has been bringing back Marcus Davenport, which suggests they are relying heavily on the upcoming draft to bolster their pass rush. Given the choice between keeping Smith or Davenport, a strong case can be made that the Lions made the wrong decision.
Smith remains unsigned as free agency enters its third week, leading to speculation about a possible return to Detroit. If his release stemmed from a refusal to accept a pay cut, a reunion seems unlikely. However, if he struggles to find the contract he expected on the open market, there’s still a chance he could come back.
Smith’s Versatility Highlights Detroit’s Mistake
ESPN’s Matt Bowen recently ranked the top remaining free agents, placing Smith at No. 12. Bowen noted that Smith recorded nine sacks and 38 pressures last season while playing for both the Browns and the Lions. He described Smith as a “speed-to-power rusher” with the ability to line up in multiple positions, making him a valuable rotational piece for any contender.
Considering his proven ability and durability—having played 33 games over the past two seasons compared to Davenport’s six—it’s fair to question why the Lions let him go. While contract complications and past reluctance to accept pay cuts may have played a role, it’s also possible that Smith himself wanted out.
Regardless of the reasoning, the Lions have yet to adequately replace a reliable edge rusher who was already on their roster. Time may prove them right, or perhaps there’s an undisclosed plan in place. But for now, their decision to move on from Smith is looking increasingly unwise.
