Lions NFL Free Agency Updates 2025: Za'Darius Smith to Be Released

Defensive End Just Went From A Strength To A Weakness Before Free Agency

The Detroit Lions are making significant moves ahead of the 2025 NFL season, starting with the decision to release veteran defensive end Za'Darius Smith. According to Spotrac, this move will save the Lions $5.75 million in cap space. Smith, who was acquired from the Cleveland Browns at the trade deadline last November, had one year remaining on a two-year, $23 million contract he signed with Cleveland last March.

The Trade and Its Impact

The Lions traded a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Browns in exchange for Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick. The expectation was that Smith would help fill the void left by star defender Aidan Hutchinson, who was sidelined for the season due to a broken leg. With Hutchinson now healthy and ready to return for the 2025 season, the Lions have reassessed their needs and decided to part ways with Smith.