Za’Darius Smith’s time as a Detroit Lion is reportedly over.
ESPN and NFL Network reported on Sunday the Lions are releasing the veteran defensive end one day before the NFL’s legal tampering period for free agency begins. Smith joined the Lions as a midseason trade in an effort to boost Detroit’s pass rush after losing Aidan Hutchinson to a season-ending injury in October.
The Lions sent the Cleveland Browns a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick in return for Smith and 2026 seventh-round pick. Smith, 32, had four sacks and three tackles for loss in eight games for the Lions and did not record a stat outside of a pass deflection in Detroit’s divisional round loss to the Washington Commanders to end their season.
Smith had one year remaining on a two-year, $23 million contract he signed with the Browns. According to Spotrac, the Lions saved $5.75 million in cap space by releasing Smith.
Two of the Lions’ early roster moves also addressed the edge position. The Lions first re-signed linebacker Derrick Barnes, who typically plays on the line as the SAM linebacker in Detroit’s scheme, to a three-year deal worth $25.5 million. On Saturday, the Lions re-signed defensive end Marcus Davenport to a one-year deal worth up to $4.75 million with incentives. Both Barnes and Davenport suffered season-ending injuries in Week 3.
Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro in 2020, can now sign anywhere. He finished his 10th year in the NFL and has 69 career sacks in his time with the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Browns and Lions.
