Reports: Lions release 3-time Pro Bowl EDGE Za'Darius Smith

Field Level Media|published: 03/09/2025, 3:43pm EDT

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