Za’Darius Smith is an American football defensive end currently playing for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 8, 1992, in Greenville, Alabama, Smith began his collegiate football career at East Mississippi Community College before transferring to the University of Kentucky. He was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Throughout his NFL career, Smith has played for several teams:
- Baltimore Ravens (2015–2018): Smith developed as a formidable pass rusher, culminating in a standout 2018 season with 8.5 sacks.
- Green Bay Packers (2019–2021): Signing a four-year contract in 2019, Smith earned Pro Bowl selections in 2019 and 2020, recording a career-high 13.5 sacks in his first season.
- Minnesota Vikings (2022): Smith continued his impactful play, earning another Pro Bowl selection in 2022.
- Cleveland Browns (2023–2024): Traded to the Browns in May 2023, Smith contributed 5.5 sacks during his tenure.
In November 2024, the Detroit Lions acquired Smith from the Browns to bolster their defense for a playoff push. The Lions sent a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick to Cleveland, receiving Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick in return.
nypost.com Smith’s addition aimed to enhance the Lions’ pass rush, especially with injuries affecting their defensive lineup.
As of February 2025, discussions have emerged regarding Smith’s future with the Lions, with speculation about potential salary cap considerations and possible interest from other teams, such as the Washington Commanders.
Smith’s career showcases his resilience and adaptability, consistently contributing to each team’s defensive strength.