Reports: Lions release 3-time Pro Bowl EDGE Za'Darius Smith
Dec 15, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) walks off the field after warm ups before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images The Detroit Lions released edge rusher Za'Darius Smith, according to multiple media reports on Sunday.
The Lions acquired Smith, 32, in a trade with the Cleveland Browns in November. In eight games for Detroit, he had 12 combined tackles and four sacks.
For the season, the three-time Pro Bowl defender totaled nine sacks and 35 tackles. He posted a PFF pass rush grade of 76.5 (21st-highest among edge rushers).
A fourth-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2015, Smith has played 10 NFL seasons, racking up 69 career sacks, spending time with the Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Browns and Lions.
The move saves the Lions $5.7 million in cap space. Smith's contract had also included a $6.99 million option bonus on March 14.
--Field Level Media
Uros Medic’s 30-Second KO Puts UFC Welterweights on Notice
Sunday MLB Best Bets: Back Zack Wheeler and Shohei Ohtani
Dan Lanning Has Oregon on the Verge of Something Special
Three August Sports Events You Won’t Want to Miss
- White Sox vs. Rays Picks: Best Bets for Friday’s MLB Showdown
- WNBA Picks: Three Best Bets for Friday’s Fever, Wings and Storm Games
- Orioles vs. Tigers Bet Picks: Best Predictions for Tuesday July 28
- WNBA Picks Tuesday: Best Bets for Lynx, Fever and Aces
- Guardians vs. Reds Monday Prediction: Best Bets for the Battle of Ohio
- MLB Best Bets for Sunday's Rockies vs. Brewers, Yankees vs. Phillies
- UFC Abu Dhabi Best Bets: Top Picks for Ankalaev vs. Guskov Fight Night
