By Mummy Grace 
Za’Darius Smith proved to be a critical midseason acquisition for the Detroit Lions, boosting a pass rush that lacked depth without Aidan Hutchinson. Over eight games, his four sacks and 36 quarterback pressures made him an integral part of the defense. However, his recent Instagram post hints at uncertainty about his future with the team, despite being under contract for 2025.
Contract Structure Complications
Smith’s contract, inherited from the Cleveland Browns, includes complexities that the Lions must address before the new league year begins:
- Bonuses Due in March: Smith is set to receive a $6.99 million option bonus and a $2 million bonus early in the offseason. Combined with his $1.5 million base salary, his total cost for 2025 would be $8.99 million.
- Per-Game Bonuses: Smith has $510,000 in per-game active bonuses for 2025, adding further to the Lions’ financial obligations.
- Void Years: His contract includes four void years (2026–2029), which prorate the $6.99 million option bonus but create a $5.24 million cap charge in 2026 if no changes are made.
Options for the Lions
Given Smith’s performance and fit with the team, outright releasing him seems unlikely. Cutting him would leave no dead money for 2025 or 2026, but it would also mean losing a valuable player. A more realistic solution involves restructuring his contract:
- Frontloading Guaranteed Money: Restructuring could offer Smith more guaranteed money sooner, incentivizing him to remain with the team.
- Smoothing Out Cap Hits: Adjustments could spread out cap impacts more evenly while reducing the burden in void years.
Why a Restructure Makes Sense
Smith’s production and leadership on defense make him a key asset, especially as the Lions aim to build on their recent playoff appearance. Fixing the Browns’ overly complex contract structure ensures Detroit can retain him at a reasonable cost without jeopardizing future cap flexibility.
As Smith himself said, 2025 is a fresh opportunity for the Lions to pursue a championship. A restructured deal could help keep him in Motor City, anchoring a defense that’s poised for further success.