ALLEN PARK -- Za’Darius Smith is being released by the Detroit Lions ahead of free agency, per multiple national reports.
Smith came over at the deadline in a trade with the Cleveland Browns. The 32-year-old pass rusher posted four sacks in seven starts in Detroit. Smith created 27 pressures in nine games with the Browns, then 36 across those eight games with the Lions.
The three-time Pro Bowler led the Lions with those 63 total pressures and would have been third on the team for just the amount he created after the trade. Smith’s release comes after the Lions signed Marcus Davenport to another one-year deal and should be viewed as a cost-saving move.
Smith had a $7 million option coming up, with a near $6 million cap hit, and this move wipes his void years and his salary and other bonuses from the books. The veteran pass rusher posted a “Thank you, Detroit” message to his Instagram account shortly after the move was reported.
RELATED:Battling war of attrition has Lions GM feeling even more prepared for future
RELATED:Myles Garrett reverses trade request, signs record deal with Browns
This move leaves Aidan Hutchinson, Josh Paschal and Davenport at the top of the edge defender rotation in Detroit. The Lions have Pick 28 in the first round of this year’s draft and money to spend on the open market, and they continue to get linked to pass rushers for obvious reasons.
When Hutchinson went down in Week 5, the pass rush never packed the same punch. Davenport lasted just two games last season and is hard to count on, with only three sacks and 21 games played over the last three years. Paschal has been someone the Lions have pounded the table for, but they need more from him entering the final year of his rookie deal.
Smith seemed to enjoy his time with the Lions and was a fit in the locker room, bringing a veteran voice to a young defense. It will be interesting to see if the Lions and Smith work on a new deal to bring him back. However, the potential competitors with free agency’s “tampering window” set to begin in less than 24 hours add another element to that discussion.
The Lions need more depth for their defensive line and another starter-level player for the pass rush. It’s at the top of everyone’s minds when looking at the team’s needs and interests. Brad Holmes said he viewed this year’s defensive line class as deep on the inside and outside while at the combine.
“I think I made it pretty clear that the trenches are always going to be a priority for us,” the Lions general manager said. “I just think that’s where the game is won. Dan (Campbell) and I are aligned on that, and you just can never really have enough of those guys ... ”