Za'Darius Smith: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Detroit Lions News / A to Z Sports / July 30

The Lions may no longer see bringing back Za'Darius Smith as a big need

Let's start this off by saying that this doesn't mean that the Detroit Lions won't bring back Za'Darius Smith. That could still very well happen, but with

Arizona Cardinals News / Arizona Cardinals on SI / July 24

Arizona Cardinals Urged to Sign Pro Bowl Defender

The Arizona Cardinals have put a world of assets into improving their defense, particularly the front seven. They've brought in plenty of interior DL, and signed edge rusher Josh Sweat to a major contract.

NFL News / Philadelphia Eagles on SI / July 22

Eagles Could Have Solution With Ex-Lions Star

If the Philadelphia Eagles are going to make another move as training camp kicks off, it wouldn't hurt to add another piece or two for the pass rush. A contender can never have too many capable pass rushers.

New Orleans Saints News / Yardbarker Quizzes

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Detroit Lions News / Athlon Sports / July 21

Detroit Lions Need Za'Darius Smith Back After Onwuzurike Injury

It's time for the Detroit Lions to make a move. Fans have spent the offseason waiting for the team to add another edge rusher who can start alongside Aidan Hutchinson.

Baltimore Ravens News / Baltimore Ravens on SI / July 21

Ravens Named Landing Spot for Former AFC North Rival

The Baltimore Ravens' roster doesn't have many weak spots, but their edge rusher room could be defined as just that. That's why some believe the Ravens could further strengthen it with a former AFC North rival.

NFL News / Cleveland Browns on SI / July 20

Former Cleveland Browns Star Projected to Join Baltimore Ravens

Midway through the 2024 NFL season, the Cleveland Browns traded edge rusher Za'Darius Smith to the Detroit Lions, ending Smith's one-and-a-half year tenure with the Browns.

Washington Commanders News / Riggo's Rag / July 18

Von Miller brings hope to the Commanders (but it won’t fix everything)

The Washington Commanders finally ticked the edge-rusher box by handing two-time Super Bowl champion Von Miller a one-year deal, but there's still room for a more versatile quarterback hunter.

Tennessee Titans News / Tennessee Titans on SI / July 3

Titans Should Sign Top Free Agent LB

The Tennessee Titans are in need of some help in the pass rush department. The team is expected to have contributions from veterans, including Arden Key, Dre'Mont Jones and Lorenzo Carter, as well as rookie second-round pick Femi Oladejo, but the team could benefit from another piece.

NFL News / WI Sports Heroics / July 2

Packers should consider signing $23 million star to deal Lions a blow

Packers should consider signing $23 million star to deal Lions a crushing blow

He played two seasons in Green Bay, posting 26 sacks from 2019 through 2020, and could upgrade a unit that has few proven commodities at the moment.

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Detroit Lions News / Detroit Lions on SI / June 30

Star Pass Rusher Back on Table for Detroit Lions

The trade made by the Pittsburgh Steelers has opened up trade rumors regarding star pass rusher T.J. Watt. On Monday, the AFC North squad traded for cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith.

Green Bay Packers News / A to Z Sports / June 28

NFL analyst urges the Packers to bring back former All-Pro, saying it could push impactful position group to the next level

The Green Bay Packers didn't make big moves to address the edge defender room, but it doesn't mean something can't happen between now and the beginning of the regular season more than two months from now.

Washington Commanders News / Athlon Sports / June 17

Commanders Could Bolster Pass Rush With Veteran Defensive End

The Washington Commanders took a lot of pride in their defense this past season, but there are a few areas where they could stand to improve in 2025. While they were still in the top half of the league in sacks, they were near the top of the NFL in a lot of other stats.

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.

Detroit Lions 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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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.

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 / A to Z Sports / May 5

If Za'Darius Smith doesn't return to the Lions, here are 4 remaining edge rushers who can help Detroit in 2025

Detroit Lions fans want one more thing this offseason before the Lions report to camp: the return of edge rusher Za'Darius Smith. As of this time, things

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

Lions to release three-time Pro Bowl DE

The Lions will let a prominent defender hit the market.

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Detroit Lions News / Side Lion Report / January 26

Lions likely won't be keeping Za'Darius Smith in 2025 with his contract as-is

After being acquired from the Cleveland Browns at the trade deadline, Za'Darius Smith was everything the Detroit Lions could've hoped he'd be. Over eight regular season games he had four sacks and 36 quarterback pressures to bolster a pass rush that needed some juice without Aidan Hutchinson.