The Lions traded a 5th-round pick in 2025 and 6th-round pick in 2026 to acquire Smith and a 2026 7th-round pick in November following the season-ending injury to Aidan Hutchinson. Smith had big shoes to fill but ultimately came up short as the rest of the defense's injuries were too much to overcome in the postseason.

The Detroit Lions and general manager Brad Holmes have not closed the door completely on a potential reunion with defensive end Za'Darius Smith. After acquiring Smith at the trade deadline last season with two years remaining on his contract,

PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Detroit Lions ' decision to cut Za'Darius Smith this offseason came down to one thing – money. Lions general manager Brad Holmes said the Lions simply could not afford to keep Smith and the $11 million he was due to paid in 2025 in base salary and bonuses.