The Detroit Lions are reportedly set to release veteran defensive end Za’Darius Smith, according to a recent report. The move would mark the end of Smith’s tenure with the Lions, which lasted just one season.
Smith, 31, signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Lions last offseason, but his time with the team was marred by injuries and inconsistent play. He appeared in just 10 games for the Lions, recording 3.5 sacks and 23 tackles.
The decision to release Smith is likely a cap-related move, as the Lions would save approximately $10 million in cap space by cutting him. The team is expected to use the saved cap space to address other needs on the roster, including the defensive line.
While Smith’s release may come as a surprise to some, it’s not entirely unexpected. The Lions have been rumored to be shopping Smith in trade talks, but ultimately decided to release him instead.
The move leaves the Lions with a hole at defensive end, but the team is expected to address the position through free agency or the draft. The Lions have been linked to several top defensive end prospects, including Georgia’s Travon Walker and Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson.
In addition to the draft, the Lions may also look to free agency to bolster their defensive line. The team has been rumored to be interested in several top free agent defensive ends, including Jacksonville’s Josh Allen and Seattle’s Carlos Dunlap.
Overall, the release of Za’Darius Smith marks the end of an era for the Lions, but it also presents an opportunity for the team to upgrade their defensive line and build for the future.
It’s worth noting that Smith’s release may not be the only move the Lions make this offseason. The team is expected to be active in free agency and the draft, and may look to make several other moves to upgrade their roster.
In the end, the release of Za’Darius Smith is a business decision that makes sense for the Lions. While Smith is a talented player, his injuries and inconsistent play made him a luxury the team could no longer afford. By releasing him, the Lions can save cap space and use it to address other needs on the roster.