In a heartfelt social media post, veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith confirmed the Detroit Lions’ decision to release him, expressing gratitude for his time with the team and the city of Detroit.
Smith joined the Lions mid-season in 2024, acquired from the Cleveland Browns following a season-ending injury to star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. In his eight games with Detroit, Smith recorded four sacks, contributing significantly to the Lions’ pass rush.
The decision to part ways with Smith was primarily financial. Releasing him freed up $5.7 million in salary cap space, bringing the Lions’ total cap room to nearly $57 million.
Smith’s Instagram post, “Thank you Detroit,” accompanied by a photo, indicates a farewell, though he remains open to returning to the Lions.
Looking ahead, the Lions face a gap in their defensive line. Hutchinson is recovering from his injury, and with Smith’s departure, the team is exploring options to strengthen their pass rush. One potential target is Cincinnati Bengals’ edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who led the league with 17.5 sacks in the previous season.
Smith’s brief tenure with the Lions showcased his resilience and dedication, and his departure marks the end of a chapter for both him and the team. As Detroit navigates the offseason, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how the team addresses its defensive needs in pursuit of a championship.
