Smith was instrumental in helping the Detroit Lions’ pass rush after being acquired from the Cleveland Browns at the trade deadline last season, especially in the absence of Aidan Hutchinson, recording 36 pressures (according to Pro Football Focus) and four sacks in eight games. However, his contract structure needed attention this offseason, and he was seen as a possible cap casualty in various scenarios.

According to multiple reports, the Lions are releasing Smith, clearing $5.7 million in cap space with no dead money remaining.

Smith was under contract with the Lions through 2025 as part of a deal he signed with the Browns, which included four void years to spread out the cap hit from a $6.99 million option bonus due on the third day of the new league year. He was also due a $2 million roster bonus on that same day. Additionally, he would have counted for $5.2 million against the salary cap in 2026, regardless of whether he remained on the team.

To further confirm the move, Smith bid farewell to Detroit on Instagram.

Of course, Smith never played alongside Hutchinson last season, and the re-signing of Marcus Davenport is unlikely to impact the Lions’ edge rusher situation much. Therefore, another move to add a pass rusher is likely, even though general manager Brad Holmes said “probably not” to the idea of pursuing a top-tier edge rusher.

Smith’s contract extension with the Browns was poorly structured. While void years are sometimes a useful way to manage cap hits, having four of them was excessive (who could have predicted the Browns would make bad contracts?). A restructuring may have been difficult to execute, leading the Lions to opt for his release.

That said, cutting Smith eliminates the burdensome contract. His Instagram post signals a sense of finality, but the Lions could bring him back on a more manageable deal if they choose.