According to a source, the Detroit Lions intend to cut edge rusher Za’Darius Smith.

to part ways with Za’Darius Smith may have surprised some, but it reflects broader trends in NFL roster management, especially as teams strive to maximize value while staying within salary cap constraints. In this expanded discussion, we will dive deeper into the implications of the Lions’ move, review Za’Darius Smith’s career, analyze his impact on the Detroit Lions, and explore what this decision means for the team’s future strategy.

Za’Darius Smith’s Impact and Career Path

Za’Darius Smith’s rise to NFL prominence has been both impressive and hard-earned. A fourth-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, Smith had to prove himself early, contributing as a rotational player before breaking out in his fourth season with the Ravens in 2018. His ability to pressure the quarterback was evident, and it led to a significant payday with the Green Bay Packers in 2019.

Smith’s tenure with the Packers was characterized by his immense pass-rushing ability. His 2019 season was one of his best, as he registered 13.5 sacks and 105 quarterback pressures. He was named to the Pro Bowl, an acknowledgment of his role as one of the league’s top edge rushers. However, injuries began to plague Smith in 2021, including a troublesome back issue that hindered his ability to play at his best. Despite this, Smith still showed flashes of his former self and earned his third Pro Bowl nod in 2022, even though his effectiveness was somewhat diminished due to injury and limited playtime.

After the Packers released Smith in March 2022, the Minnesota Vikings quickly signed him to a three-year contract. While Smith’s impact in Minnesota was notable—he recorded 8.5 sacks in the first seven games of the 2022 season—he was again hindered by injuries, which limited his overall production. Despite these challenges, Smith still provided valuable depth to the Vikings’ defense and was a key piece of their pass rush.

In 2023, Smith found himself traded to the Cleveland Browns, where he contributed with 5.5 sacks during his first season with the team. In March 2024, he was rewarded with a two-year, $23.5 million extension, highlighting the team’s trust in his ability to impact the game despite his injury history.

Then, in November 2024, Smith was traded to the Detroit Lions. The trade sent draft picks to Cleveland in exchange for the veteran pass rusher. Smith’s brief stint with Detroit saw him play in eight games, tallying four sacks and providing solid pressure in the pass rush. Despite these contributions, the Lions ultimately decided to part ways with him, choosing to move in a different direction for the future.

Lions’ Decision to Release Smith

The release of Za’Darius Smith by the Detroit Lions was not a decision taken lightly. Despite being a three-time Pro Bowl selection and still having the ability to impact games as a pass rusher, Smith’s role within the defense, combined with the Lions’ financial and strategic considerations, led to this decision. The move is indicative of the team’s willingness to prioritize roster flexibility and cap space heading into the 2025 season.

Smith’s contract, which included an $11 million cap hit for 2025, likely played a significant role in the Lions’ decision. By releasing him, the Lions cleared up $5.7 million in cap space for the 2025 season and an additional $5.2 million in 2026. This financial flexibility is essential for the Lions, especially if they intend to pursue high-impact players in free agency or bolster other areas of their roster.

Moreover, while Smith’s production as a pass rusher was still solid (he recorded four sacks in eight games), his inability to consistently be a three-down player, especially against the run, may have made him less valuable in the Lions’ scheme. Teams across the league are increasingly seeking players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game, and Smith’s limitations against the run could have made him expendable, particularly as the Lions strive to improve their defensive front.

The Lions’ Defensive Strategy Moving Forward

The Detroit Lions are currently building one of the most exciting teams in the NFL, and their focus on bolstering the defense has been a hallmark of their strategy. In 2024, the Lions posted a franchise-record 15-2 record, dominating the NFC North. While their offense has been strong, the defense remains a key area where improvement is still needed, particularly when it comes to generating pressure on the quarterback.

By parting ways with Smith, the Lions are positioning themselves to be active in the pass-rushing market. They are likely to look for veterans who can add immediate value, and the potential candidates on the free-agent market include some big names like Khalil Mack, Von Miller, and DeMarcus Lawrence. These players are proven commodities who can step in and make an immediate impact. The Lions are clearly looking to upgrade their defensive line and ensure that they have a pass rush capable of complementing the strong secondary and improving overall team defense.

Pass Rushing Needs for the Lions

The Lions’ defensive line has been an area of strength, but there have been notable gaps in their ability to consistently pressure quarterbacks. Despite the presence of rising stars and key veterans, such as Aidan Hutchinson, the team lacks the consistent second-tier pass rusher who can take pressure off other players.

This is where the release of Za’Darius Smith becomes part of a broader strategy. While Smith was productive at times, his age (31 years old in 2025) and his injury history may have made him a less-than-ideal candidate for a full-time role moving forward. Thus, the team may prioritize younger, healthier options who can offer more consistent contributions. This move also signals that the Lions are willing to invest in their future by focusing on players who align better with the team’s long-term vision and salary cap flexibility.

Additionally, the NFL’s increasing reliance on mobile quarterbacks means that teams must focus not only on sacking the quarterback but also on disrupting the quarterback’s rhythm and limiting scrambling opportunities. The Lions are likely looking for edge rushers who can offer versatility, pressure the quarterback from multiple angles, and contain mobile quarterbacks.

The Broader Picture: NFL Roster Management and Cap Strategy

The Lions’ decision to cut Smith also reflects broader trends in NFL roster management. The salary cap continues to be a guiding force in how teams approach their rosters, particularly when it comes to making tough decisions about aging or injury-prone players. NFL teams are increasingly valuing financial flexibility and cap space as they navigate the ever-changing dynamics of free agency, trades, and contract extensions.

The NFL is also seeing a shift toward younger, cheaper talent, particularly as teams look to lock in long-term deals with star players while still maintaining depth at every position. The Lions are no exception to this trend. By cutting Smith, they will free up resources to potentially re-sign key players or target younger talent who can help keep the team competitive in the years ahead.

Lions’ Future in the NFC

Looking toward the 2025 season, the Detroit Lions are clearly positioning themselves for another competitive year. Their offense, led by rising stars like quarterback Jared Goff and running back Jahmyr Gibbs, has the potential to carry the team deep into the postseason. However, as recent seasons have shown, strong defense remains crucial for any team with championship aspirations.

The Lions’ decision to move on from Za’Darius Smith could be the first of many roster adjustments as they work to perfect their team construction. It also opens the door for further investment in improving the defensive line, a key area if they hope to compete with powerhouse teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC.

The Detroit Lions’ decision to release Za’Darius Smith is a significant one, but it is rooted in a clear strategy aimed at maximizing their salary cap space, building a more complete defense, and preparing for long-term success. While Smith was a productive player during his time with the Lions, his release signals the team’s commitment to improving their pass rush and roster flexibility.

As the Lions continue to build on their 2024 success, their next steps in free agency and the draft will be crucial in determining whether they can continue to compete at a high level. Whether they pursue other pass rushers or reinforce other areas of the defense, the Lions are making moves that could set them up for sustained success in the coming seasons.