The Detroit Lions have officially announced the release of veteran defensive end Za’Darius Smith, according to multiple sources. This decision comes as part of the Lions’ strategic moves during the NFL’s free agency period, where they aim to reshape their roster in pursuit of a stronger season. Smith, who joined the Lions in 2023, was seen as a pivotal addition to the defense but struggled to make a significant impact during his tenure. In the 2023 season, he recorded five sacks and 30 tackles, numbers that fell short of expectations given his Pro Bowl pedigree from previous seasons with the Green Bay Packers and Baltimore Ravens. Smith’s release frees up $8 million in cap space for the Lions, allowing them to allocate funds toward other areas of need within the team. Head Coach Dan Campbell remarked, ‘Za’Darius is a great player and a great person. We appreciate everything he brought to our team, but sometimes these decisions are necessary for the overall success of the franchise.’ The Lions are now looking to the 2025 NFL Draft and free agency to bolster their defense further ahead of the upcoming season.
Detroit Lions Release Veteran Pass Rusher Za’Darius Smith
