By Zicpraiz 
The Detroit Lions have released defensive end Za’Darius Smith, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The move clears Smith’s entire $5.7275 million cap hit.
The Lions traded a pair of draft picks to the Browns in order to acquire Smith ahead of the trade deadline in November. Smith, who will turn 33 this year, had four sacks in eight games with the Lions. He also had five sacks in nine games with the Browns.
Smith has 69 career sacks. He was expected to provide a boost to the Lions’ pass rush, but his production was limited.
The Lions plan to have Aidan Hutchinson back on the edge this season. They also re-signed Marcus Davenport to go with Josh Paschal. The team appears to be moving forward with a younger group of pass rushers.
Some fans reacted negatively to the news, ripping the player who lost his job. However, others understood the move as a necessary step for the team to rebuild and improve its defense.