Lions Cut Za’Darius Smith After Midseason Trade for Pass Rusher
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions: Week 18 Action
Detroit Lions defensive end Za’Darius Smith (99) jumps onto the field as players are introduced before facing the Minnesota Vikings on Jan. 5, 2024, at Ford Field.
ALLEN PARK – Za’Darius Smith is being let go by the Detroit Lions ahead of free agency, according to multiple national reports.
Smith was acquired at the trade deadline from the Cleveland Browns. The 32-year-old edge rusher recorded four sacks in seven starts for Detroit. Before the trade, Smith had 27 pressures in nine games with Cleveland, followed by 36 pressures in eight games with the Lions.
The three-time Pro Bowler led the Lions with 63 total pressures, which would have ranked third on the team just based on his post-trade production. His release follows Detroit’s decision to sign Marcus Davenport to another one-year contract and is considered a cost-cutting measure.
Smith had a $7 million option due, carrying a nearly $6 million cap hit. This move erases his void years, salary, and other bonuses from the books. Shortly after the news broke, the veteran pass rusher posted a “Thank you, Detroit” message on Instagram.
With Smith’s departure, the Lions’ top edge defenders include Aidan Hutchinson, Josh Paschal, and Davenport. Detroit holds the 28th overall pick in this year’s draft and has cap space to spend in free agency, remaining linked to pass rushers for obvious reasons.
After Hutchinson’s injury in Week 5, the Lions’ pass rush lacked the same impact. Davenport played just two games last season and has struggled with consistency, recording only three sacks in 21 games over the past three years. The Lions are hopeful for more from Paschal as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.
Smith appeared to enjoy his time in Detroit, offering a veteran presence in a young locker room. It remains to be seen whether the Lions explore bringing him back on a new contract. However, with free agency’s “tampering window” opening in less than 24 hours, other teams could quickly enter the mix.
Detroit still needs additional depth on the defensive line and another starting-caliber pass rusher. It’s a major priority when evaluating the team’s offseason plans. At the combine, GM Brad Holmes emphasized the depth of this year’s defensive line class, both inside and outside.
“I think I’ve made it clear that the trenches will always be a priority for us,” Holmes said. “I believe that’s where the game is won. Dan (Campbell) and I are in agreement on that, and you can never really have enough of those guys…”
