Za'Darius Smith was helpful to the Detroit Lions pass rush after being acquired from the Cleveland Browns at last year's trade deadline, with 36 pressures (according to Pro Football Focus) and four sacks in eight games. But his contract structure demanded to be dealt with this offseason, and he was seen as a potential cap casualty in multiple spots.
According to multiple reports, the Lions are releasing Smith. They will clear $5.7 million in cap space with the move.
Smith was under contract through 2025, with four void years to spread out the cap impact of a $6.99 million option bonus he was due on the third day of the new league year. He was also due a $2 million roster bonus on the third day of the league year.
To further confirm the move, Smith said goodbye to Detroit on Instagram.
ZaβDarius Smith says goodbye to Detroit on his Instagram π#OnePride pic.twitter.com/Y9TTrJj4HJ
β ππ₯π’ ππ’π±π―π¬π¦π± ππ¦πͺπ’π° π° (@the_det_times) March 9, 2025
Lions could bring back Za'Darius Smith on more palatable contract