
Za'Darius Smith
32-Year-Old
Free Agent
2024 Defense Stats
TCKL
35
SACKS
9.0
INT
0
FF
0
TD
0
2025 Projections
RANKS
In line to be released
The Lions are releasing Smith, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Smith was entering the second of a two-year, $23 million contract and would have been a $5.75 million cap hit for Detroit in 2025. The 33-year-old provided much needed production for the Lions after being traded from the Browns last season, logging 4.0 sacks over the final eight games of the 2024 campaign. Smith totaled 9.0 sacks over 17 regular-season games last year, and he should get plenty of attention this offseason from teams in need of pass-rushing help. Meanwhile, the Lions likely will look to the draft or free agency to find a new edge defender to play opposite Aidan Hutchinson, who is coming off a season-ending leg injury.
Smith was entering the second of a two-year, $23 million contract and would have been a $5.75 million cap hit for Detroit in 2025. The 33-year-old provided much needed production for the Lions after being traded from the Browns last season, logging 4.0 sacks over the final eight games of the 2024 campaign. Smith totaled 9.0 sacks over 17 regular-season games last year, and he should get plenty of attention this offseason from teams in need of pass-rushing help. Meanwhile, the Lions likely will look to the draft or free agency to find a new edge defender to play opposite Aidan Hutchinson, who is coming off a season-ending leg injury.
NFL Stats
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2024 NFL Game Log
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2024 Za'Darius Smith Split Stats
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Measurables Review
How do Za'Darius Smith's measurables compare to other defensive ends?
This section compares his draft workout metrics with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average.
Height
6' 4"Weight
270 lbs40-Yard Dash
4.83 secShuttle Time
4.66 secCone Drill
7.42 secVertical Jump
29.0 inBroad Jump
113 inBench Press
23 reps
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Past Fantasy Outlooks
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2016
2015
The Browns like what they saw in Smith last season, his first in a Cleveland uniform. The club re-signed the defensive end, who played every game save for the regular-season finale when regulars were rested. He served as the complement to Myles Garrett on the opposite edge. Entering his age-32 season, Smith may not be the full-timer, but he can still pressure the quarterback in multiple schemes and run into a half-dozen sacks while O-lines focus on Garrett.
More Fantasy News
Finishes 2024 with 9.0 sacks
Smith logged 35 tackles (22 solo), including 9.0 sacks, and one pass defense across 17 regular-season games in 2024.
ANALYSIS
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Sacks Love in Week 14
Smith tallied two solo tackles, including 1.0 sacks, in Detroit's 34-31 win over Green Bay in Week 14.
ANALYSIS
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Practices in full Wednesday
Smith (personal) was not listed on Wednesday's injury report.
ANALYSIS
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Inactive Sunday
Smith (personal) is inactive for Sunday night's contest against the Texans.
ANALYSIS
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Not expected to play Sunday
Smith (personal), who is officially questionable for Sunday's game against Houston, isn't likely to suit up, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Hoping to reunite with Lions
Smith is hoping to re-sign with the Lions prior to the 2025 season, Tyler Dragon of USA Today reports. "We both know where I want to be," Smith told USA TODAY Sports at the 2025 BET Awards. "Hopefully I can get back to Detroit."
ANALYSIS
The Lions acquired Smith in a trade during the 2024 season after losing Aidan Hutchinson to a season-ending leg injury. Detroit released Smith in March to get his $5.75 million cap hit off the books, but there could be mutual interest in a reunion if Smith's willing to take a pay cut. Even with Hutchinson back healthy, the Lions could benefit from bolstering their pass rush.
The Lions acquired Smith in a trade during the 2024 season after losing Aidan Hutchinson to a season-ending leg injury. Detroit released Smith in March to get his $5.75 million cap hit off the books, but there could be mutual interest in a reunion if Smith's willing to take a pay cut. Even with Hutchinson back healthy, the Lions could benefit from bolstering their pass rush.