A deeper analysis revealed that keeping Za’Darius Smith was simply not viable for the Detroit Lions due to his contract structure, which included nearly $9 million in bonuses due on the third day of the 2025 league year. A contract restructure or pay cut seemingly couldn’t be agreed upon, leading to his release just before free agency began.
Cutting Smith freed up $5.7 million in cap space with no dead money, making the move financially logical in that regard.
However, the Lions’ approach to replacing him remains questionable. Their most notable move was re-signing Marcus Davenport, alongside other minor re-signings. Instead of securing a proven veteran, they appear to be relying on a deep edge rusher class in the upcoming draft.
If the decision came down to keeping either Smith or Davenport, there’s a strong case that the Lions made the wrong choice.
As the third week of free agency nears, Smith remains unsigned, raising speculation about a potential return to Detroit. If his release stemmed from rejecting a pay cut, a reunion seems unlikely. But if he struggles to find a suitable deal elsewhere, the door could still be open.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen ranked the top remaining free agents, placing Smith at No. 12 out of 23 players.
“Last season—with both the Browns and Lions—Smith recorded nine sacks and 38 pressures. He’s a speed-to-power rusher who can also line up as a standup nose or 3-technique to create interior mismatches. Smith could help a contender needing a rotational edge with scheme versatility,” Bowen wrote.
A “speed-to-power rusher” with alignment flexibility who “could help a contender looking for a rotational edge.”
Can you think of a contender that could use someone like that? A player who has appeared in 33 games over the past two seasons, compared to Davenport’s six?
The Lions likely had multiple reasons for parting ways with Smith. The unfavorable contract structure created by the Browns complicated any potential restructuring. His previous unwillingness to accept pay cuts may have played a role. There’s also a chance he requested his release, meaning a new deal was never even discussed.
Detroit has yet to add a proven edge rusher who can stay healthy after letting go of one they didn’t necessarily have to lose. Maybe time will prove them right, or perhaps they have an undisclosed plan, but for now, parting ways with Smith looks increasingly questionable.