Za'Darius Smith: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Detroit Lions News / Detroit Lions on SI / April 28

Lions Signing Nephew of Za'Darius Smith Sparks Even More Hope

The Detroit Lions signed Syracuse wide receiver Jackson Meeks as an undrafted rookie free agent following the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft. Supporters noticed the talented wideout is the nephew of veteran defensive end Za'Darius Smith, sparking even more hope a reunion could occur.

NFL News / Los Angeles Rams on SI / April 25

Should Rams Add Veteran Za’Darius Smith in FA?

The Los Angeles Rams' free agency market is still on the table, as there are still some areas on both the offense and defense that could use some extra depth.

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.

Miami Hurricanes News / Yardbarker Quizzes

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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.

NFL News / Yardbarker

Post draft, which NFL teams have the best current QB situations?

With an established top tier and some young options revealing themselves last season, here is a look at where clubs' QB depth charts stand. Contracts and long-term outlooks do not factor in here; these rankings apply only to 2025 on-field capabilities.

Insider shares big Brock Purdy update ahead of start of offseason program

Did latest development change Steelers' opinion of Aaron Rodgers?

Former GM, NFL insider warn Steelers about Rodgers after latest comments

Browns' Joe Flacco discusses when teams should play young quarterbacks

Three potential landing spots for Eagles TE Dallas Goedert

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.

NFL Draft News

Report details why Saints 'embraced' Shough before, during draft

Report details why Saints 'embraced' QB Tyler Shough before, during NFL Draft

NFL team executive expands on what Sanders did wrong before draft

NFL team executive expands on what Browns' Shedeur Sanders did wrong before draft

Which NFL rookies will be difference-makers next season?

Did Steelers come close to trading Pickens during NFL Draft?

Did Steelers come close to trading WR George Pickens during 2025 NFL Draft?

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.

NFL News / Detroit Lions on SI / April 12

Za'Darius Smith Attending Pistons Game Sparks Hope for Lions Fans

Detroit Lions fans were excited to see defensive end Za'Darius Smith attending a recent Detroit Pistons game. Cameras spotted the 32-year-old sitting with Kash Doll, a local hip-hop artist, at Little Caesars Arena during the Pistons game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

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 / Side Lion Report / April 11

1 Lions player on the hot seat going into the draft couldn't be more obvious

On its own, the Detroit Lions' decision to re-sign edge rusher Marcus Davenport wasn't awful. It just wasn't particularly needle-moving, and it begged for another free agent move to address the No.

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 / Detroit Lions on SI / April 7

Former Lions DE Predicted to Land With AFC South Team

The Detroit Lions have not given up all hope of re-signing veteran defensive lineman Za'Darius Smith. General manager Brad Holmes indicated the organization has remained in contact with the 32-year-old's agent, after deciding to not pick up his contract for the upcoming 2025 season.

Kansas City Chiefs News / Kansas City Chiefs on SI / April 5

Chiefs Land Veteran DE in Recent Prediction

The Kansas City Chiefs possessed a strong defense last season, regardless of how the campaign ended. Ranking as a Top 10 defense in the National Football League is no easy thing to do, but the Chiefs have been able to do stay within the rankings for the past two seasons.

Detroit Lions News / Athlon Sports / March 31

Lions Still in Touch With Former All-Pro's Agent

It seems there may still be hope the Detroit Lions will land a veteran edge rusher they can trust to play alongside Aidan Hutchinson. Fans have been waiting to see what the team would do at the position this offseason and the moves from the team have been underwhelming.

Detroit Lions News / Side Lion Report / March 31

Brad Holmes gives flimsy excuse for Lions releasing Za'Darius Smith

When the Detroit Lions acquired Za'Darius Smith at last season's trade deadline, they did so knowing how his contract was structured. It was clear that contract would be adjusted if he was going to stay with the team in 2025, but all he did was deliver as hoped and prove he should stick around.

Detroit Lions News / Side Lion Report / March 14

Analyst hits perfect punch line about Lions' edge rusher decision

Za'Darius Smith brought what the Detroit Lions needed when was acquired at last year's trade deadline, with four sacks and 36 pressures over eight regular season games.

Los Angeles Rams News / Los Angeles Rams on SI / March 10

Will Rams Take a Look at Za'Darius Smith in Free Agency?

The Los Angeles Rams are coming off a good season. They showed that the young defense is going to be a special group for years to come. The offense showed that they still can find ways to win games even if it is in different ways.

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.