NFL training camps are nearly here, and a few notable players are still on the hunt for work. Among them is star defensive end ZaâDarius Smith, who was released by the Detroit Lions in March.
While there are plenty of teams that could use a pass rusher like Smith, not everyone can afford him at this point in the offseason. With that in mind, Bleacher Report recently listed some potential suitors for the 11-year veteran.
On the list? The Baltimore Ravens, for whom Smith played from 2015-18.
âA return to the Baltimore Ravens could also make sense for Smith,â BRâs Kristopher Knox wrote. âThe Ravens are looking to make a championship run this season and still have $17.5 million in cap space available.
âWhile Baltimore recorded an impressive 53 sacks last season, it could afford depth on the edge behind Odafe Oweh and 34-year-old Kyle Van Noy.â
Where Did Za’Darius Smith Play Last Season?
Smith, 32, split time between the Cleveland Browns and Lions last season, combining for 35 tackles and nine sacks.
After trading for Smith midseason, the Lions opted to forgo paying his $7 million option bonus and $2 million roster bonus by releasing him ahead of the new league year.
While Detroit certainly could consider bringing back Smith, he figures to have options. Smith has already played with five different teams, starting with Baltimore, which drafted him in the fourth round (122nd overall) in 2015.
Smith had 18.5 sacks in four seasons with the Ravens before leaving for the Green Bay Packers in 2019 on a four-year, $66 million free-agent deal. Smithâs two most productive seasons came with Green Bay in 2019 and 2020 when he had 13.5 and 12.5 sacks, respectively. He made the Pro Bowl in both seasons and again in 2022 with the Minnesota Vikings, when he had 10 sacks.
For his career, the 6-foot-4, 270-pound Smith has 333 tackles, 69 sacks and 10 forced fumbles.
Why Would the Ravens Be Interested in Za’Darius Smith?
As Knox noted, the Ravens have the financial flexibility needed to acquire a player of Smithâs stature. It certainly wouldnât hurt given the makeup of their defense, with Van Noy projected to start opposite of Oweh in the front seven.
The Ravens were second in the NFL in sacks and 10th in total defense last season, allowing an average of 324.2 yards per game. They look quite formidable this year too, and Smith would only strengthen them.
If not Baltimore, Knox suggested the Lions could look to reunite with Smith.
âThe Lions did little to bolster their pass rush aside from re-signing Marcus Davenport, and Smith is probably the best complement to Aidan Hutchinson that they’re going to find this late in the offseason â barring a trade for a player like Trey Hendrickson,â he wrote.
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