Why the Lions Didn’t Keep Za’Darius Smith
The Detroit Lions made a tough call this offseason, letting go of veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith. While some fans were caught off guard, the reason behind it was pretty straightforward money.
At the NFL Annual League Meetings in West Palm Beach, Florida, Lions GM Brad Holmes didn’t sugarcoat it.
“We couldn’t afford it,” Holmes said. “That’s the bottom line. That was my communication with him, and he understood that.”
The Trade That Brought Smith to Detroit
Smith landed in Detroit last season after a trade with the Cleveland Browns. The Lions gave up a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-rounder while getting back a 2026 seventh-round pick in return.
Smart Move Saves the Lions Millions
Cutting Smith before March 15 turned out to be a smart financial decision. By making the move early, the Lions avoided paying a $2 million option bonus and freed up $5.7 million in cap space for 2025, plus another $5.2 million for 2026. If they had waited just a few more days, they would’ve been stuck with extra dead cap charges something Holmes clearly wanted to dodge.
What’s Next for Detroit’s Pass Rush?
Now that Smith is off the roster, the Lions need to figure out how to strengthen their pass rush opposite Aidan Hutchinson. They could turn to the upcoming NFL Draft or sign a more budget-friendly veteran to fill the gap.
Smith played an important role during his short time in Detroit, but this move lines up with the team’s long-term cap strategy and roster plans. Now, it’s all about what the Lions do next.
