Former Lions EDGE Za’Darius Smith Projected to Join Super Bowl-Caliber Chiefs

There’s growing speculation that edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, who was recently released by the Detroit Lions, might soon land with the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. This prediction comes from Pro Football Focus analyst Mason Cameron, and the idea carries weight given both Smith’s experience and Kansas City’s defensive needs.

Chiefs Could Benefit from Veteran Pass Rush Presence

The AFC is a gauntlet of elite quarterback talent—from Josh Allen to Joe Burrow to C.J. Stroud and Lamar Jackson. For the Chiefs to maintain their dominance, generating consistent pressure off the edge is key. Adding a battle-tested player like Smith could provide a big lift.

“Bringing in a seasoned edge defender like Za’Darius Smith would enhance the defensive front,” Cameron noted. Over the last three seasons, Smith has earned an impressive 90.1 pass-rush grade from PFF, ranking him in the 93rd percentile—an indicator of sustained excellence.

Why Detroit Moved On

During the 2024 season, Smith stepped up when Aidan Hutchinson was sidelined, recording 4 sacks and 39 pressures in just eight games. His leadership and production were valuable to Detroit’s young defense.

However, financial constraints played a major role in the Lions’ decision to part ways. With an $11 million salary and promising young players like Josh Paschal and Ahmed H​​assan in the mix, the front office opted to go in a more cost-effective, youth-oriented direction.

Though a potential reunion hasn’t been ruled out, there’s been little indication that Detroit plans to revisit the relationship.

Will the Lions Miss Him?

There’s an argument to be made that Detroit could regret this move. Beyond Hutchinson, the Lions’ depth at EDGE is questionable. Marcus Davenport’s health has been unreliable, and the remaining rotation lacks proven contributors.

If Smith ends up producing in a high-stakes role for the Chiefs while Detroit struggles to get after the quarterback, GM Brad Holmes may face scrutiny for letting him walk. Still, Detroit’s emphasis on culture and long-term roster construction likely factored just as heavily into the decision as cap management.

Final Takeaway

Though no longer with the Lions, Za’Darius Smith remains a productive defender with championship aspirations. If he lands with Kansas City, the move could prove to be a shrewd late-offseason addition for the defending champs.

As for Detroit, the pressure’s on their young core to step up—or possibly make another move to reinforce the pass rush. Meanwhile, Smith could be positioning himself for another deep playoff run—and possibly a second Super Bowl title.