In 2022, the Minnesota Vikings defense was led in sacks by defensive end Za'Darius Smith. The former Ravens and Packers edge rusher led the team with 10 sacks that season but only spent one season with the purple and gold.
Since then, Smith spent time with the Browns before settling in with the Detroit Lions for the 2024 season. He played in eight games there, starting seven. In those games, he accumulated 12 tackles with 10 quarterback hits and four sacks.
Former Minnesota Vikings edge rusher released by Detroit Lions
Announced on the official X account of the NFL, the Lions are releasing Za'Darius Smith. He still had one year left on his two-year deal worth $12 million. Now the defensive end is able to sign anywhere he pleases.
Lions released edge Za'Darius Smith (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/fUb8BqMaue
— NFL (@NFL) March 9, 2025
Smith is hitting free agency at a good time. Edge rushers Maxx Crosby of the Raiders and Myles Garrett of the Browns have received the biggest non-quarterback contracts in NFL history this offseason and a team desperate for an established defender like Za-Darius Smith could be willing to open their wallets extra wide.
At 32 years old, Smith still has gas in his tank and might not be a free agent for too long. The six-foot-four, 270-pound edge rusher could be a huge asset for a team desperate to find a pass rush for the 2025 NFL season.
His services aren't needed in Minnesota this season. The Vikings have Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel returning from last season and 2024 first-round draft pick Dallas Turner waiting in the wings.
It is a bit concerning that Za'Darius Smith has played for four different teams in the last six seasons. Questions about his ability to stick with a team may be off-putting to some franchises interested in his production but that could also mean that a short-term deal might be more possible.
Smith joins Joey Bosa, Von Miller, and Khalil Mack among the top edge rushers available this offseason. The former University of Kentucky defender will be a player to watch as teams look to fill their needs ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
His excellent season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022 earned him a Pro Bowl nod and a place on the All-Pro First Team. Now he will have an opportunity to recreate that defensive magic when he signs with another team this offseason.