ESPN: Detroit Lions EDGE RUSHER close in to join a Super Bowl contender Kansas City Chiefs.
Za’Darius Smith, a former Lions edge rusher, is expected to join the Chiefs, addressing a significant defensive need as Kansas City looks to win another Super Bowl.
Is Za’Darius Smith on his way to Kansas City from Detroit?
Mason Cameron, an analyst for Pro Football Focus, recently predicted that the Chiefs, who won the Super Bowl, will sign the veteran edge rusher, who was just dismissed by the Detroit Lions.
Smith Still Has Juice, but Kansas City Needs Pass Rush Assistance
Let’s face it: there are a ton of outstanding quarterbacks in the AFC. Despite his dominance, Mahomes is being threatened by Burrow, Allen, Stroud, and Lamar. If the Chiefs hope to repeat, it will be crucial to maintain pressure on opposition passes.
Enter Za’Darius Smith, a former EDGE for the Detroit Lions.
Cameron stated, “Adding a seasoned veteran option to the edge, like Za’Darius Smith, would strengthen the unit.” “Smith has produced a 90.1 PFF pass-rush grade over the last three seasons, ranking in the 93rd percentile.”
That’s a remarkable number, demonstrating Smith’s steady output as he nears the conclusion of his career.
The Lions’ Permission for Him to Walk
Smith made a significant contribution to the Lions in 2024, particularly following Aidan Hutchinson’s injury. In just eight games, he had four sacks and 39 pressures, giving a youthful defensive team an experienced advantage.
But in the end, Brad Holmes and company couldn’t afford his $11 million price tag. Detroit had to make the difficult decision since cap space was limited and younger players like Josh Paschal and Ahmed Hassanein were joining the team.
A reunion hasn’t been really suggested yet, but that doesn’t mean it’s off the table.
Do the Lions Feel Bad About Letting Him Go?
The Lions still have a clear need at EDGE following Hutchinson, and that’s the problem. The current rotation doesn’t exactly have a lot of trustworthy depth, and Marcus Davenport hasn’t been healthy.
Therefore, it’s reasonable to question whether Holmes acted a bit too hastily if Smith ends up making plays for a Super Bowl contender like Kansas City—while the Lions are looking for answers at the same location.
However, Smith’s release probably had as much to do with roster building philosophy as it did with money, since Detroit has always been picky about fit and culture.
The Bottom Line
Despite not playing with the Detroit Lions anymore, Za’Darius Smith is still valuable and might soon be vying for another Super Bowl ring in Kansas City.
The Chiefs may make a wise late-offseason acquisition if they decide to sign him. For the Lions? It will be intriguing to see if they are prepared to let Hutchinson take the lead once more or if they have another move planned.
In any case, a Lombardi Trophy may accompany Smith’s next chapter.
