Za'Darius Smith: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Baltimore Ravens News / Baltimore Ravens on SI / June 12

Former Ravens DE Reveals Preferred Destination

Most NFL free agents signed their new deals months ago, but of the few still without a home this season, former Baltimore Ravens defensive end Za'Darius Smith is one of the best.

Za'Darius Smith News / Larry Brown Sports / June 11

Three-time Pro Bowl defender names the team he wants to sign with

Three-time Pro Bowl defender Za’Darius Smith is still on the free agent market, but he knows where he would like to land if it were up to him.

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Detroit Lions News / Detroit Lions on SI / June 11

How Unsigned Defensive End Could Fit Into Lions 2025 Defense

Defensive end Za'Darius Smith boldly stated where he wants to play when the 2025 season begins. During the BET Awards, Smith noted that he would like to suit up for the Detroit Lions once again in the upcoming season.

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Detroit Lions News / Pro Football Talk / June 11

Za'Darius Smith hopes to return to Lions

Veteran edge rusher Za'Darius Smith had a short stint with the Lions in 2024 and he's hoping for a longer run with the team in 2025. Smith was acquired in a trade with the Browns during the regular season and had four sacks for the team in the second half of the year.

Chicago Bears News / Chicago Bears on SI / June 10

Chicago Bears apparently not No. 1 on available edge rusher's list

While a veteran free agent edge rusher remains a possible need for the Bears in their pass rush rotation, one available option often mentioned as a possibility by analysts has much more interest in a rival.

Detroit Lions News / Side Lion Report / June 10

Za'Darius Smith signing back with Lions feels imminent after latest comments

The Detroit Lions have been perfectly content with running it back this offseason at their pass rush. Aidan Hutchinson isn't exactly your typical "fall back" option - he's the entire entree, so to speak, when it comes to their defensive planning.

NFL News / Detroit Lions on SI / May 30

Former Detroit Lions DE Listed as Best Fit For Buffalo Bills

Even though the Detroit Lions have started full-team workouts, a former defensive end continues to be the subject of free agency rumors and speculation.

Detroit Lions News / Side Lion Report / May 27

Lions' top FA target was ranked as one of league's best pass rushers for 2025

Za'Darius Smith is still available in the free agent market after being released by the Detroit Lions. The pass rusher was traded to the Lions from the Browns during the 2024 season after Aidan Hutchinson went down with a broken leg in Week 5 of the season, and he provided some great defense to the team's defensive line.

Detroit Lions News / Athlon Sports / May 20

Lions Named Best Fit for $21 Million Former All-Pro Who They Should Have Already Signed

At this point in the 2025 NFL offseason, it is no secret what the biggest need is for the Detroit Lions. They entered the offseason needing somebody they could start at their second defensive end spot to upgrade their pass rush.

New England Patriots News / New England Patriots on SI / May 20

Patriots Linked to Top Sack Artist to Complete Banner Offseason

The New England Patriots have spent a boatload of money this offseason, with much of that cash being devoted to the defensive side of the ball. That may seem odd, considering that the Patriots' offense was actually the bigger source of contention last season, but New England definitely needed to shore up its slipping defense, as well.

Detroit Lions News / Athlon Sports / April 22

Former All-Pro's Latest Comment Makes Lions Reunion Seem Unlikely

When the Detroit Lions found themselves with a major need in their pass rush in the middle of the 2024 NFL season, they made a trade with the Cleveland Browns to bring in Za'Darius Smith.

Detroit Lions News / Detroit Lions on SI / April 22

Kash Doll Trying to Help Bring Za'Darius Smith Back to Lions

The supporters of the Detroit Lions have developed a strong affinity for former defensive end Za'Darius Smith. Detroit hip-hop artist Kash Doll was recently spotted with the talented defender at a Detroit Pistons game at Little Caesars Arena.

Washington Commanders News / Washington Commanders on SI / April 19

Commanders projected to strengthen defense with addition of 3x Pro Bowler

The Washington Commanders could benefit from adding a pass rusher after losing Dante Fowler Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys in free agency. Pro Football Network writer Mark Stolte believes that the Commanders could look to sign former Detroit Lions EDGE rusher Za'Darius Smith.

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Detroit Lions News / Athlon Sports / April 18

There's Still One Move the Lions Should Make Before the NFL Draft

When the Detroit Lions released Za'Darius Smith right before the start of free agency, the move left them with a major need to fill on the edge. More than two months later, the Lions still haven't fill that need.

Detroit Lions News / Side Lion Report / April 18

Brad Holmes reveals the status of Lions-Za'Darius Smith reunion

The Za'Darius Smith situation has been a very interesting one in Detroit over the past couple of months. Smith was traded to the Lions at the trade deadline last season, after the Lions had a wealth of injuries on the defensive line.

Detroit Lions News / Pro Football Rumors / April 17

Aidan Hutchinson completes rehab; Lions not discussing deal with Za’Darius Smith

As Aidan Hutchinson has progressed through rehab on his broken leg, it has long been expected he would be available for the Lions’ offseason work. His latest comments on the subject confirm that should be the case.

Detroit Lions News / A to Z Sports / April 17

The chances of Za'Darius Smith returning to the Lions are starting to look a little bleak

The Detroit Lions made a move that surprised some Lions fans when they released Za'Darius Smith ahead of free agency. From a financial standpoint, the move made sense.

Detroit Lions News / A to Z Sports / April 12

Former Lions edge rusher Za'Darius Smith is currently in Detroit, could a reunion happen?

Right before free agency, the Detroit Lions decided that they were going to release Za'Darius Smith. The move made sense at the time because the Lions

Detroit Lions News / Detroit Lions on SI / April 10

Burning Question: What Contract Could Lions Offer DE Za'Darius Smith?

The Detroit Lions have not completely closed the door on bringing back veteran defensive end Za'Darius Smith. At the trade deadline last year, general manager Brad Holmes made the decision to swap 2026 draft picks and a 2025 fifth-round pick in order to acquire the talented defensive end.

Detroit Lions News / Side Lion Report / March 23

Foolishness of Lions letting Za'Darius Smith go is being proven more and more

A closer look showed it was patently unpalatable for the Detroit Lions to keep Za'Darius Smith as his contract was structured, with nearly $9 million in bonuses coming his way on the third day of the 2025 league year.

Detroit Lions News / Field Level Media / March 9

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

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.

Detroit Lions News / Pro Football Rumors / March 9