Lions’ Loss, Rival’s Gain? Former Detroit Player Eyed by Conference Opponent

       Former Lions Edge Rusher Za’Darius Smith Likely to Land with NFC Rival 

The Detroit Lions made a tough financial decision this offseason, cutting veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith to free up cap space. Now, it looks like he could be staying in the NFC    but not in Detroit. 

           Rams Emerging as Top Landing Spot 

According to Pro Football Network, the Los Angeles Rams are the frontrunners to sign Smith. The move makes perfect sense. With Michael Hoecht heading to the Buffalo Bills, the Rams need reinforcements on the defensive front, and Smith would be a great addition. 

Last season, Smith split time between the Cleveland Browns and the Lions, racking up 35 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 17 QB hits, nine sacks, and a pass breakup in 17 games. He’s always been a force when it comes to pressuring quarterbacks, and adding him to a Rams defense that already ranks among the NFL’s best in sack rate could be a nightmare for opposing offenses. 

         A Perfect Pairing? 

If Smith joins the Rams, he’d team up with 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse, creating a dangerous pass-rushing duo. Verse brings explosive speed, while Smith’s veteran presence and power could make life miserable for offensive lines all season long. 

As for the Lions, parting ways with Smith wasn’t a shock. He carried an $11 million price tag, and Detroit is focused on long-term roster building with financial flexibility. General manager Brad Holmes made it clear the move was all about the numbers. 

“We couldn’t afford it,” Holmes said. “That’s the bottom line. That was my communication with him, and he understood that.” 

Now, it’s just a matter of time before Smith finds a new home  and all signs point to him wearing Rams colors in 2025.