The Detroit Lions found their edge rusher to fill the Aidan Hutchinson void by acquiring Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns. Fans and the media seemed quite pleased with the addition as the Lions make their Super Bowl push.
Here are a few thoughts from across social media on the move and the newest member of the Pride.
Za’Darius Smith this season
-5 sacks (tied for 17th in the NFL)
-27 pressures (t-23rd among edge rushers)
-19.1% win rate (12th among edge rushers – min. 60 pass-rush snaps)
-Contract through 2025 season
Productive player!
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) November 5, 2024
Za’Darius Smith: What the Lions are getting in their new EDGE https://t.co/pdLCpD63o4 via @thelionswire
— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) November 5, 2024
Next to nothing in 2024, just a prorated portion of a $1.2 million base salary.
In 2025, it’s not guaranteed, but if the Lions want to exercise his roster/option bonus, it would be ~$5.4 million cap hit with ~$5.6 in lingering dead money applied to 2026’s cap. https://t.co/hE40t6ushK
— Justin Rogers | Detroit Football Network (@Justin_Rogers) November 5, 2024
The other cost aside from pick swaps: the Lions will take on the remaining $605,000 in Za’Darius Smith’s contract.
The Browns already have paid $11.3 million of Smith’s 2024 compensation.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 5, 2024
So we got Za’Darius Smith for nothing, basically.
Lions winning everywhere these days.
— Isaac (@WorldofIsaac) November 5, 2024
No brainer for the Lions https://t.co/S90B4zZM8O
— Brad Spielberger, Esq. (@SpielbergerBrad) November 5, 2024