When Aidan Hutchinson’s leg snapped against the Cowboys back in October 2024, the collective heart of Detroit skipped a beat. You could feel it. The Lions were rolling, looking like a legitimate Super Bowl favorite, and then—boom—their defensive engine was gone. People were panicking. For weeks, the trade rumors were a mess. Maxx Crosby? Myles Garrett? Everyone wanted a superhero. Instead, Brad Holmes did what he always does: he stayed patient and grabbed Detroit Lions Za'Darius Smith right at the 2024 deadline.
It wasn't a flashy "franchise-altering" move to some, but it was exactly what this team needed.
Honestly, the trade was a steal. Detroit sent a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-rounder to the Cleveland Browns. In return, they got Smith and a 2026 seventh. Basically, they traded a couple of "maybe" players for a three-time Pro Bowler who knows the NFC North like the back of his hand. Smith had already terrorized the division with the Packers and the Vikings. Coming to Detroit felt like a weird full-circle moment for a guy who has spent most of his career trying to sack whoever was playing quarterback for the Lions.
Why the Detroit Lions Za'Darius Smith experiment actually worked
When Smith showed up, he didn't just bring 60-plus career sacks. He brought a vibe. Dan Campbell even gave him a "breather" right after the trade because the guy hadn't had a bye week yet. Think about that. He played nine games for Cleveland, got traded, and was ready to go.
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In his eight regular-season games with Detroit, Smith put up four sacks. That might not sound like Defensive Player of the Year numbers, but you have to look at the context. Without Hutchinson, the Lions' pass rush was basically Alim McNeill and a prayer. Smith gave them a veteran presence that forced offenses to actually pay attention to the edge again. He played 37 snaps in his debut against Jacksonville and immediately shared a sack. He wasn't Hutchinson, but he was a professional.
There’s a lot of talk about PFF grades—some people love them, some people think they’re garbage. Smith had a rough game against Washington late in the season that some fans on Reddit absolutely tore apart. But the coaches? They loved the guy. He was a leader in the room. He talked about how much he wanted to influence the young guys. That stuff matters when you’re pushing for a deep playoff run.
The contract situation that changed everything
Here is where things get a little messy and, frankly, a bit frustrating for the fans who wanted him to stay forever. Smith was on the books for about $11 million in 2025. In March 2025, the Lions decided to release him. It was a business move. Cutting him as a pre-June 1 designation saved the team nearly $6 million in cap space with zero dead money.
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- Trade Cost: 5th and 6th round picks.
- Production: 4 sacks in 8 games.
- Leadership: Massive.
- Outcome: Released in Spring 2025.
For a while, everyone thought he’d just re-sign on a cheaper deal. Smith even said at the BET Awards in mid-2025 that he wanted to "get back to Detroit." He loved the coaching staff. He loved the city. But the NFL is a cold business. While the Lions sat on $33 million in cap space, they let him walk.
The Philadelphia Eagles twist
If you’re a Lions fan, seeing Smith in an Eagles jersey in 2025 probably stung. He signed a one-year deal with Philly worth up to $9 million. He didn't just go there to collect a paycheck, either. In his debut against the Chiefs, he had 0.5 sacks and a tackle for loss.
There’s a valid argument that the Lions made a mistake here. Even with Hutchinson returning from injury, having a rotational piece like Smith is what separates the good teams from the champions. The Eagles saw a veteran with gas in the tank and jumped on it. Meanwhile, the Lions decided to bet on their internal development and younger edge rushers. It's the kind of move that either makes Brad Holmes look like a genius for not overpaying for age, or leaves fans wondering "what if" during a close playoff game.
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What people get wrong about Za'Darius Smith
Most people think he's just a pure pass rusher. That’s not really true. In Detroit's system, Aaron Glenn demands that his ends set the edge against the run. Smith, at 6'4" and 275 pounds, is actually a lot sturdier than people give him credit for. He wasn't just hunting sacks; he was doing the dirty work that allowed the linebackers to flow to the ball.
Also, the "mercenary" label is a bit unfair. Yeah, he’s been on four teams in four years (Ravens, Packers, Vikings, Browns, Lions, and now Eagles). But everywhere he goes, the locker room seems to genuinely like him. In Detroit, he was the guy telling the rookies where to be. He wasn't just a rental; he was a mentor, even if it was only for a few months.
Moving forward: Life after the Smith era
The Detroit Lions Za'Darius Smith era was short, but it was vital. It bridged the gap during the most vulnerable stretch of the Dan Campbell era. Without that trade, the 2024 defense might have completely folded. Instead, they stayed afloat, won the division, and kept the momentum of the franchise moving upward.
If you're looking at what the Lions do next, the blueprint is clear. They aren't afraid to trade for veterans, but they aren't going to get sentimental about keeping them. Holmes is cold-blooded with the salary cap.
Actionable insights for following the Lions' defense:
- Watch the "Snap Count" for returning players: With Smith gone, keep a close eye on Josh Paschal and James Houston. They are the ones who have to soak up those 30-40 snaps per game that Smith was taking.
- Monitor the Trade Deadline: The Smith trade proved that the Lions are "buyers." If a major injury happens again in 2026, expect a similar move for a veteran on a team that is out of contention.
- Evaluate the "Cheap" Veteran Market: The Lions passed on Smith at $9 million. This suggests their internal valuation for a third edge rusher is likely in the $4-5 million range.
- Hutchinson's Gravity: Remember that whoever plays opposite Aidan Hutchinson gets "the rub." Smith's production was solid because he knew how to win 1-on-1s while Hutch was drawing the double teams.
At the end of the day, Za'Darius Smith did exactly what he was brought here to do. He stopped the bleeding. He provided a veteran spark when the lights were brightest. Whether or not he should have been re-signed is a debate that will probably rage on in Detroit sports bars for a few more years, especially if he keeps racking up sacks in Philadelphia. But for that one stretch in late 2024, he was exactly the Lion the city needed.