Sun Mar 09 18:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Lions to Release Veteran Pass Rusher Za’Darius Smith
**Detroit, MI –** The Detroit Lions are parting ways with veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported. The move comes less than a year after the Lions acquired Smith from the Cleveland Browns in a trade for late-round draft picks.
Smith, 32, had one year remaining on his two-year, $23 million contract. Despite playing 60% of the defensive snaps in eight games with Detroit, contributing 10 quarterback hits and four sacks, the team has decided to release him.
A ten-year NFL veteran, Smith was originally drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2015. He’s also played for the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, compiling an impressive career total of 333 tackles and 69 sacks in 140 games. The release frees up cap space for the Lions and opens a roster spot. The team will likely be looking to bolster its pass rush through other avenues moving forward.
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