There's going to be a flurry of news and transactions happening on Tuesday. All 32 NFL teams need to get their rosters down to 53 players, so there will be some tough decisions that need to be made.
The Detroit Lions have started parting ways with players, including a fan favorite on Monday. While this is the focus in the Motor City, former edge rusher Za’Darius Smith to starting to see his interest pick up around the league.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that several teams have checked in on Smith, as he's been training and waiting on the ideal landing spot.
With free agency picking up a bit this week, one name to watch is Za’Darius Smith, who finished with nine sacks last year.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 26, 2025
Multiple contending teams have checked in on Smith, who is training and waiting on the right situation. pic.twitter.com/bAj1mXXq3y
Ex-Lions Edge Za’Darius Smith Has Interest Around NFL
On Aug. 18, Matt Judon went to sign with the Miami Dolphins and which left Smith as the best veteran pass rusher on the market. With teams trimming down their rosters for the 2025 season, it's easy to see why Smith is gaining steam.
Last season, he was traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Lions. Over eight games with Detroit, he had 12 total tackles, three tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits, and four sacks. In totality, Smith recorded nine sacks in 2024 and a 74.7 overall grade on Pro Football Focus.
He has shown that he can still be a productive player in the league, and teams are always looking for pass rushers. There are multiple spots where Smith could be a fit, but at this point in his career, he most likely wants to play on a contender.
Smith will be turning 33 years old in September and will be entering his 11th season in the NFL. In 140 career games (96 starts), Smith has 69 sacks, 173 QB hits, and 85 TFLs.
It'll be interesting to see where he ends up signing and if a return to Detroit is really on the table. Aidan Hutchinson is the workhorse upfront for the Lions, but they could use Smith's services. Josh Paschal is dealing with an undisclosed injury, but head coach Dan Campbell revealed he will return later than they hoped.
Rookie defensive end Ahmed Hassanein has a pectoral injury and will miss a ton of time. The depth is limited at EDGE, but that doesn't mean he'll be back with the Lions for sure. Smith is going to play football in 2025. Now it's just about where that will be.