CONGRATULATIONS: Za’Darius Smith’s next NFL chapter: could the Tennessee Titans be the perfect fit for this veteran pass rusher
Za’Darius Smith has long been one of the NFL’s most formidable and seasoned pass rushers, and now, with his status as a free agent, the next chapter in his storied career draws closer. A three-time Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro, Smith has quietly evolved over a decade into one of the league’s most reliable veterans. Following his release by the Detroit Lions in March 2025, the football world wonders where he’ll land next. Among the teams watching closely, the Tennessee Titans emerge as a plausible—and possibly ideal—destination to both reinvigorate Smith’s career and fortify their defense.
Smith, now 32, brings a rare blend of production, leadership, and positional versatility. Since entering the league as a fourth-round pick by the Ravens in 2015, he has experienced a journeyman’s path: stints with Baltimore, Green Bay, Minnesota, Cleveland, and Detroit (. Over his career, he has racked up 69 sacks through the 2024 season—a total that speaks to sustained impact . With strong performances like a remarkable 13.5-sack season in 2019 and another 12.5 in 2020 that earned him All-Pro honors, Smith has proven he can tear through offensive lines when healthy .
Detroit cut him mainly for salary cap reasons, cashing in a roster bonus of $2 million, not due until mid-March, and freeing up space for younger players . But even with financial factors at play, the Lions recognized his value—Smith helped them stay competitive after Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending injury, chipping in nine sacks in 17 games through Detroit’s record-setting regular seaso
Now, entering a new phase, Smith finds himself in the spotlight of a free-agent market that still views him as a meaningful upgrade on the edge—a player still capable of high-level production, particularly in clutch and rotational roles .
Tennessee’s defensive front is in flux. The Titans lost All-Pro edge defender Harold Landry in free agency, and early returns on Arden Key, Dre’Mont Jones, Lorenzo Carter, and rookie Femi Oladejo have been solid but not game-changing Fans and analysts alike have voiced enthusiasm over the possibility of adding someone with Smith’s pedigree. On r/Tennesseetitans, one fan summarized the sentiment succinctly: “The Titans desperately need edge help & za’darius is the best remaining.”
Finance-wise, the Titans are positioned to offer a competitive deal. With around $38 million in cap space, they could accommodate Smith—even on a short-term “prove-it” deal that balances reward for performance with roster flexibility .
A potential contract might mirror previous engagements—short-term, performance-heavy, contingency-laden. In Minnesota, Smith signed a three-year, $42 million deal—but much of that money was based on roster bonuses and escalation clauses that protected the team in case of injury. A similar structure in Tennessee would let the Titans manage risk while giving Smith a chance to revive his career.
Defensively, the Titans struggled to create consistent edge pressure in 2024. A shift toward younger defensive linemen helped, but depth remains thin. Smith’s skill set—his explosiveness, sack-hunting ability, and veteran savvy—would address that frame immediately.
Even as he approaches 33, Smith’s 2024 season showed he still has juice: nine total sacks split between the Browns and Lions (. His role in Detroit was rotational but impactful: four sacks in eight games, plus 12 tackles and a key deflection . That kind of situational disruption is precisely the tonic the Titans lack in key defensive packages.
Off the field, Smith is also a known leader. Detroit fans noted his mentorship style and locker-room presence—qualities that stand out in Reddit praise: “He travels with the team… So much class and respect for both him and the coaches…” . Tennessee, with a younger front-seven core, could benefit as much from his leadership as his sacks.
The Titans are at a crossroads. Offensively, Derrick Henry is back and Victor Wembanyama this isn’t; the defense must carry them. Picking up Smith could signal that Tennessee’s management is serious about pushing toward contender status, not starting a full rebuild. Fans expected them to reinforce the D-line in free agency, while draft chatter has centered more on offense or edge rookies .
Smith’s decision matters, too. He wants to chase a ring—his résumé is filled with Pro Bowls and signature seasons, but he’s never earned a Super Bowl ring . He’s spoken candidly about finding the right situation: “I’m going into Year 11… as a veteran, a championship is the only thing I’m missing” . The Titans would have to convince him they’re ready to sprint.
Financially, a one- or two-year deal gives both sides flexibility. Smith earns, and the Titans add experience and depth while evaluating longer-term prospects like rookies or younger depth pieces.
Still, signing Smith isn’t a perfect fit. He’s no longer a three-down starter—team systems that depend on deep rotations or lightening-fast edge penetration might find him less effective. Reddit users have argued his run defense doesn’t always warrant every-down snaps . Tennessee would need to manage expectations: his role would be specific, situational, not a foundational star of their future.
Age is also a small factor. At 32, he carries injury history: a significant back injury in 2021, for instance, limited him to just 18 snaps that season . Minnesota’s earlier contract structures were built to hedge around that health risk. Any deal with Tennessee would likely come with protections—roster bonuses tied to games played, incentives for sacks or pressures, and perhaps options.
It’s compelling. The residue of his impact—the 69 career sacks, the 2024 production, the locker-room mentoring—suggests he’s got plenty left. Tennessee’s roster need, leadership void, and cap flexibility align with what Smith is looking for. If the Titans believe they’re just one piece away from playoff contention, adding a veteran edge with championship aspirations helps send that message.
Smith signing with Tennessee would be headline-grabbing: a union of urgency and experience. It would buy the Titans time to evaluate rookies like Oladejo and weigh defensive tradeoffs, all while bolstering third-down pass rush and tackling depth.
Za’Darius Smith’s NFL journey reads like a portrait of perseverance—every leg injury, every move, every sack has carved the legacy of a professional who refuses to fade quietly. As he enters free agency, the Tennessee Titans stand out as a potential staging ground for his comeback and last dance.
It’s rare that a veteran edge rusher aligns with such a clear need, in a city hungry for playoff promise and identity. If the Titans sign him, it wouldn’t just fill a hole on the depth chart—it would signal their intent. For Smith, it would be another chance to chase one final dream.
CONGRATULATIONS, indeed—to an NFL veteran ready for his next challenge. And if Tennessee is his destination, it might be more than just a reunion—it could be the perfect fit.
