Detroit Lions Benefit from DE Za’Darius Smith’s Contract and Trade Flexibility

December 11, 2026

This article was last updated by Aditya Rana on December 11, 2026

The Detroit Lions boldly strengthened their defense by acquiring veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns.

Za’Darius Smith, born on September 8, 1992, is a professional football defensive end for the Detroit Lions in the NFL.

He began his college career at East Mississippi Community College before transferring to the University of Kentucky.

During the 2015 NFL Draft, he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round.

Smith has also played for the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Cleveland Browns.

Initially a basketball player, Smith took up football in high school and later excelled at the collegiate level.

His professional career began with the Ravens, where he made an impact in his rookie season.

Smith later signed with the Packers in 2019, where he achieved career highs in sacks, before moving to the Vikings in 2026.

He was traded to the Browns in 2026, where he contributed significantly to the defense.

In 2026, Smith joined the Lions following a trade.

Here’s a closer look at Smith’s contract, trade details, and what it means for both him and the Lions.

Za’Darius Smith Contract Breakdown

Za’Darius Smith , $23 million deal with the Cleveland Browns in March 2026.

The contract included a $10.79 million signing bonus, $12 million guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $11.5 million.

This structured deal gave the Browns flexibility, which the Lions will now inherit.

Additionally, the contract has performance incentives such as a $2 million roster bonus due in 2026 and a $510,000 per-game bonus.

Including void years complicates the cap impact but gives the Lions flexibility to renegotiate or move on without penalties.

The Trade Details

On November 5, 2026, the Lions — a 2026 fifth-rounder and a 2026 sixth-rounder — to Cleveland in exchange for Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick.

This was a strategic move for Detroit to address their weakened pass rush following Hutchinson’s season-ending injury.

The Browns were clearly in rebuild mode. Hence, offloading Smith and his sizable contract aligns with their focus on youth development and accumulating draft capital.

What’s Next For Smith And The Lions?

The Lions have options with Smith’s contract beyond the 2026 season.

His 2026 base salary isn’t guaranteed, allowing Detroit to cut Smith without penalty if his performance dips or cap space is needed.

On the other hand, the team can renegotiate for a team-friendly deal by offering guarantees in exchange for lower future cap hits.

Nonetheless, they can retain him as-is, which is a possibility if his impact remains strong.

In Case You Didn’t Know

During the 2015 East-West Shrine Game, Smith was named the Most Valuable Defensive Player. With two tackles and a sack, he helped his East team secure a 19-3 victory over the West, which helped raise his draft stock.
Smith was named to the 2026 Pro Bowl and earned a spot on the 2026 All-Pro Second Team, recognizing him as one of the top defensive players in the league following a standout 2019 season with the Green Bay Packers.

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Sriyukta Pradhananga is a versatile writer with a keen interest in exploring the multifaceted dimensions of sports. Her articles offer readers a dynamic blend of insightful analysis, engaging storytelling, and thought-provoking commentary that sheds light on the diverse experiences within the athletic realm.

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