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Za'Darius Smith

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Za'Darius Smith
refer to caption
Smith with the Cleveland Browns in 2023
No. 99 – Detroit Lions
Position:Defensive end
Personal information
Born: (1992-09-08) September 8, 1992 (age 32)
Montgomery, Alabama, U.S.
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:275 lb (125 kg)
Career information
High school:Greenville
(Greenville, Alabama)
College:
NFL draft:2015 / round: 4 / pick: 122
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 14, 2024
Total tackles:328
Sacks:68.0
Pass deflections:15
Forced fumbles:10
Fumble recoveries:2
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Za'Darius Smith (born September 8, 1992) is an American professional football defensive end for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at East Mississippi Community College before transferring to Kentucky. He was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL draft. He has also played for the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Cleveland Browns.

Early life

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Smith attended Greenville High School in Greenville, Alabama.[1] Smith played basketball in high school and did not start playing football until his senior year.[2]

College career

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Smith played college football for two years at East Mississippi Community College before transferring to the University of Kentucky.[3][4] In his two years at East Mississippi, he recorded 66 tackles and 11 sacks. In his first year at Kentucky, Smith started all 12 games and recorded 59 tackles and six sacks, which ranked seventh in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).[5][6] As a senior in 2014, Smith had 60 tackles and 4.5 sacks.[7]

College statistics

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Season Team Conf Class Pos GP Tackles Int & Fum
Solo Ast Cmb TfL Sck PD FR FF
2013 Kentucky SEC JR DE 12 24 35 59 7 6.5 1 1 0
2014 Kentucky SEC SR DE 12 26 34 60 7 4.5 2 1 0
Career 24 50 69 119 14 11.0 3 2 0

Professional career

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Pre-draft

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On January 17, 2015, Smith appeared in the 2015 East–West Shrine Game and recorded two combined tackles and one sack to help the East defeat the West 19–3.[8] Smith was recognized as the most valuable defensive player in the East-West Shrine Game.[9] Smith subsequently received a LB invitation to the 2015 Senior Bowl. On January 24, 2015, Smith appeared in the Reese's Senior Bowl and helped the North team defeat the South 34–13. At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Smith was projected to be a third or fourth round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked as the 12th best defensive end prospect by DraftScout.com.[10]

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 4+1⁄2 in
(1.94 m) 		274 lb
(124 kg) 		32+5⁄8 in
(0.83 m) 		10 in
(0.25 m)		 4.73 s 1.70 s 2.73 s 4.64 s 7.42 s 29.0 in
(0.74 m)		 9 ft 5 in
(2.87 m)		 23 reps
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[11][12]

Baltimore Ravens

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Smith with the Baltimore Ravens in 2015

2015

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The Baltimore Ravens selected Smith in the fourth round (122nd overall) of the 2015 NFL draft. Smith was the 17th defensive end drafted in 2015. The pick used to draft him was acquired during a trade with the Detroit Lions in exchange for Haloti Ngata.[13] On May 8, 2015, the Baltimore Ravens signed Smith to a four-year, $2.76 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $483,152.[14]

Smith entered training camp as a backup outside linebacker. Head coach John Harbaugh named Smith the backup weakside linebacker, behind Terrell Suggs, to start the regular season.[15]

On September 20, 2015, Smith made his professional regular season debut during a 37–33 loss at the Oakland Raiders and made one solo tackle. On October 1, 2015, Smith recorded a season-high four solo tackles and made a season-high two sacks during a 23–20 overtime win at the Pittsburgh Steelers. Smith made his first career sack on Steelers’ quarterback Michael Vick for a six-yard loss during the third quarter and would also sack him on the next play.[16] As a rookie in 2015, Smith played 15 games with 30 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 2 pass defended.[17]

2016–2018

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In the 2016 season, he played in 13 games and started four. He recorded one pass defended, one forced fumble, one sack, 20 tackles, and four quarterback hits.[18]

In the 2017 season, he appeared in 14 games and started four. He recorded one pass defensed, one forced fumble, 3.5 sacks, 24 tackles, and 16 quarterback hits.[19]

In the 2018 season, he appeared in 16 games and started eight. In Week 6 of the 2018 season, Smith recorded three sacks, which was part of the new team record 11 sacks, in a 21–0 win over the Tennessee Titans, earning him AFC Defensive Player of the Week.[20] He finished the season with career-highs with 45 combined tackles, 8.5 sacks, two passes defensed and a forced fumble. He led the Ravens in sacks and finished sixth on the team in tackles.[21]

Green Bay Packers

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2019

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On March 14, 2019, Smith signed a four-year, $66 million contract with the Green Bay Packers.[22] In Smith's debut as a Packer in week 1, he made 3 tackles and sacked Mitchell Trubisky once in the 10–3 win over the Chicago Bears.[23] In week 6 against the Detroit Lions, Smith recorded a sack on Matthew Stafford in the 23–22 win.[24] In week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Smith sacked Matt Moore twice in the 31–24 win.[25] In week 12 against the San Francisco 49ers, Smith recorded a team high 6 tackles and sacked Jimmy Garoppolo once in the 37–8 loss.[26] In week 16 against the Minnesota Vikings, Smith sacked Kirk Cousins 3.5 times during the 23–10 win.[27][28] Smith finished the regular season with a career high 13.5 sacks.

In the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Seattle Seahawks, Smith recorded 2 sacks on Russell Wilson during the 28–23 win.[29]

2020

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In Week 3 of the 2020 season against the New Orleans Saints, Smith forced a fumble on Taysom Hill that was recovered by the Packers during the 37–30 win.[30] In Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons, Smith sacked Matt Ryan three times during the 30–16 win.[31] Smith was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in Week 4.[32] In Week 12 against the Chicago Bears, Smith recorded a strip sack on Mitchell Trubisky that was recovered and returned for a touchdown by teammate Preston Smith during the 41–25 win.[33] On December 21, 2020, he was selected for the 2021 Pro Bowl.[34] On January 8, 2021, he made the 2020 All-Pro Team second team.[35]

2021

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On July 28, 2021, Smith reported to Packers' training camp with a back injury, and the team placed him on the Non-Football Injury list (NFI). He practiced sparingly during camp, but assured fans that he would be ready for the Packers' Week 1 game with the Saints.[36] Smith played just 18 snaps during the 3–38 loss, behind second-year teammate Jonathan Garvin, and was called for a roughing the passer penalty that negated a Darnell Savage interception.[37] On September 17, Smith was placed on injured reserve with the same back injury that nagged him throughout training camp.[38] During the week of September 27, Smith underwent back surgery and was ruled out indefinitely. The Packers expressed hope he would be back at some point during the season.[39] On October 29, Smith posted on Twitter that he was back in Green Bay and "can't wait to get back on the field!"[40] Despite that, head coach Matt LaFleur cautioned that their staff were hopeful but would have to "get him back in the building and see where he's at."[41] On January 12, 2022, the Packers opened the practice window for Smith.[42] On January 22, Smith, along with fellow linebacker Whitney Mercilus, were officially activated off injured reserve ahead of the Packers' first playoff game in the Divisional Round against the San Francisco 49ers.[43] In his first snap since Week 1, rushing on the interior on a 3rd and 14, Smith beat left guard Laken Tomlinson to sack quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. He finished the game with 1 sack and 1 solo tackle, which was for a loss.

On March 14, 2022, Smith, who would have been responsible for a $27.7 million cap hit in 2023,[44] was released by the Packers to save $15.3 million in salary cap space.[45]

Minnesota Vikings

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Smith with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022

On March 22, 2022, Smith signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Vikings, reuniting him with Mike Pettine and Mike Smith.[46]

For the month of October, Smith was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month with 14 tackles, 6.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, and a pass breakup.[47] In Week 8, Smith had seven tackles, three sacks, four tackles for loss, and a pass breakup in a 34–26 win over the Arizona Cardinals, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week.[48]

Cleveland Browns

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On May 16, 2023, the Cleveland Browns traded two fifth round picks in exchange for Smith, a 2025 sixth-round pick and a 2025 seventh-round pick.[49] He started 16 games and finished second on the team with 5.5 sacks.

On March 13, 2024, Smith signed a two-year contract extension with the Browns.[50]

Detroit Lions

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On November 5, 2024, Smith and a 2026 seventh round draft pick were traded to the Detroit Lions in exchange for a 2025 fifth round and a 2026 sixth round draft picks.[51]

Smith made his Lions debut on November 18, 2024, against the Jacksonville Jaguars,[52] where he recorded half of a sack on quarterback Mac Jones in a 52–6 win.

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On September 29, 2019, Smith was cited by the Racine County Sheriff's Office for possession of marijuana and speeding in a construction zone. Smith and teammates Rashan Gary and Kingsley Keke were returning to Green Bay from Chicago when a deputy stopped them for driving 81 mph in a 60-mph construction zone near the intersection of Interstate 94 and Highway 20 in the town of Mount Pleasant. The deputy smelled the odor of marijuana in the vehicle and searched it, discovering three blunts and a THC vaping cartridge in a duffel bag in the rear of the vehicle. None of the men appeared to be high or had any drugs or paraphernalia on their persons when searched, but all three were briefly placed in handcuffs, questioned separately, and then released after Smith admitted to ownership of the paraphernalia, as well as to smoking marijuana before leaving Chicago. Smith cooperated with the officer throughout the incident, and hired a lawyer who entered a plea of not guilty on both charges.[53] On July 30, 2020, the Racine County prosecutor dismissed the charges.[54]

NFL career statistics

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Legend
Bold Career high

Regular season

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Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD FF FR
2015 BAL 15 0 30 20 10 5.5 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 0 0
2016 BAL 13 4 20 10 10 1.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 1 0
2017 BAL 14 4 24 15 9 3.5 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 1 0
2018 BAL 16 8 45 26 19 8.5 0 0 0.0 0 0 2 1 0
2019 GB 16 16 55 41 14 13.5 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 1 0
2020 GB 16 16 52 35 17 12.5 0 0 0.0 0 0 2 4 2
2021 GB 1 0 1 1 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
2022 MIN 16 16 44 32 12 10.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 5 1 0
2023 CLE 16 16 27 18 9 5.5 0 0 0.0 0 0 3 1 0
Career 123 80 298 198 100 60.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 15 10 2

Postseason

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Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD FF FR
2018 BAL 1 1 1 1 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
2019 GB 2 2 7 5 2 2.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
2020 GB 2 2 5 3 2 1.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
2021 GB 1 0 1 1 0 1.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
2022 MIN 1 1 3 2 1 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
2023 CLE 1 1 1 0 1 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 8 7 18 12 6 4.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0

References

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  1. ^ Rankin, Duane (April 24, 2018). "Montgomery to NFL: The Latest – Za'Darius Smith". The Montgomery Advertiser. Retrieved December 16, 2018.
  2. ^ Smith, Jennifer (August 23, 2014). "Scouting the Cats: Smith making up for lost time as one of UK's defensive anchors". Kentucky.com. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  3. ^ Ostendorf, Greg (August 11, 2014). "UK's Smith takes unlikely path to stardom". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  4. ^ Bean, Josh (December 19, 2012). "Greenville High product Za'Darius Smith signs to play football at Kentucky". AL.com. Retrieved July 30, 2019.
  5. ^ "2013 Southeastern Conference Leaders". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved July 30, 2019.
  6. ^ "Kentucky DEs Dupree, Smith form pass-rush threat". USA Today. Associated Press. August 26, 2014. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  7. ^ "Za'Darius Smith 2014 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  8. ^ "2015 East-West Shrine Game" (PDF). ShrineGame.com. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  9. ^ "Smith bound for Senior Bowl following MVP East-West performance". GreenvilleAdvocate.com. January 20, 2015. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
  10. ^ "Za'Darius Smith, DS #12 DE, Kentucky". DraftScout.com. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  11. ^ "Za'Darius Smith Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". National Football League. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
  12. ^ "2015 Draft Scout ZaDarius Smith, Kentucky NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile". draftscout.com. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  13. ^ "2015 NFL Draft Listing". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved December 16, 2018.
  14. ^ "Spotrac.com: Za'Darius Smith". Spotrac.com. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
  15. ^ Downing, Garrett (August 7, 2015). "Ravens Release First 2015 Depth Chart". BaltimoreRavens.com. Retrieved August 8, 2020.
  16. ^ "Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers – October 1st, 2015". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  17. ^ "2015 Baltimore Ravens Statistics & Players". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved December 16, 2018.
  18. ^ "2016 Baltimore Ravens Statistics & Players". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved December 16, 2018.
  19. ^ "2017 Baltimore Ravens Statistics & Players". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved December 16, 2018.
  20. ^ Lam, Quang M. (October 17, 2018). "Albert Wilson, Todd Gurley among Players of Week". NFL.com. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  21. ^ "2018 Baltimore Ravens Statistics & Players". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  22. ^ "Packers sign four players". Packers.com. March 14, 2019. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  23. ^ "Packers D, Aaron Rodgers beat Bears 10–3 in opener". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 5, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2019.
  24. ^ "Packers get the calls, Crosby hits late FG to beat Lions". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 13, 2019. Retrieved October 13, 2019.
  25. ^ "Rodgers, Jones star for Packers in 31–24 victory over Chiefs". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 27, 2019. Retrieved October 27, 2019.
  26. ^ "49ers start 3-game gauntlet with 37–8 win over Packers". ESPN.com. Associated Press. November 24, 2019. Retrieved November 24, 2019.
  27. ^ "Za'Darius Smith:Game Logs". National Football League. December 26, 2019. Retrieved December 26, 2019.
  28. ^ "Packers clinch NFC North with 23–10 win over Vikings". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 23, 2019. Retrieved December 23, 2019.
  29. ^ "Packers hold off Seahawks 28–23 to reach NFC title game". ESPN.com. Associated Press. January 12, 2020. Retrieved January 12, 2020.
  30. ^ "Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints – September 27th, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  31. ^ "Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers – October 5th, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 8, 2020.
  32. ^ Gordon, Grant (October 7, 2020). "Buccaneers QB Tom Brady, Browns DE Myles Garrett among NFL Players of the Week". National Football League. Retrieved October 8, 2020.
  33. ^ "Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers – November 29th, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved December 2, 2020.
  34. ^ "NFL reveals complete AFC, NFC rosters for 2021 Pro Bowl". NFL.com. December 21, 2020. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  35. ^ "2020 NFL All-Pro Team Roster". Associated Press. January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  36. ^ Western, Evan "Tex" (September 12, 2021). "Za'Darius Smith expected to play for Packers in week 1, per reports". Acme Packing Company. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  37. ^ Western, Evan "Tex" (September 13, 2021). "Packers Week 1 Snap Counts: Rotation at OLB, no Eric Stokes, & Jordan Love's debut". Acme Packing Company. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  38. ^ Demovsky, Rob (September 17, 2021). "Green Bay Packers place OLB Za'Darius Smith on IR with lingering back injury". ESPN.
  39. ^ Kruse, Zach (October 1, 2021). "Packers OLB Za'Darius Smith has back surgery, out indefinitely". Packers Wire. USA Today. Retrieved July 22, 2024.
  40. ^ Smith, Za'Darius [@zadariussmith] (October 29, 2021). "Just landed back in GreenBay‼️ I Can't wait to get back on the field with my bros💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾 #GoPackGo" (Tweet). Archived from the original on January 22, 2022. Retrieved January 25, 2022 – via Twitter.
  41. ^ Watson, Stephen [@WISN_Watson] (October 29, 2021). "Matt LaFleur on Za'Darius Smith possibly returning: "We're certainly hopeful. I really don't have anything to comment on right now. We have to get him back in the building and see where he's at."" (Tweet). Archived from the original on January 22, 2022. Retrieved January 25, 2022 – via Twitter.
  42. ^ Western, Evan "Tex" (January 12, 2022). "Packers' Za'Darius Smith and Billy Turner return to practice on bye week Wednesday". Acme Packing Company. Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  43. ^ Dajani, Jordan (January 12, 2022). "Packers activate Za'Darius Smith, Whitney Mercilus off injured reserve ahead of divisional round". CBSSports.com. Retrieved July 22, 2024.
  44. ^ Kruse, Zach (March 14, 2022). "Packers release OLB Za'Darius Smith, clear $15.3M in salary cap space". Packers Wire. USA Today. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  45. ^ "Packers release LB Za'Darius Smith, G/T Billy Turner". Packers.com. Archived from the original on March 14, 2022. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
  46. ^ Patra, Kevin (March 22, 2022). "Vikings signing former Packers OLB Za'Darius Smith to three-year, $42M deal". NFL.com. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  47. ^ Peters, Craig (November 3, 2022). "Za'Darius Smith Wins NFC Player of Month for October". Vikings.com. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  48. ^ Gordon, Grant (November 2, 2022). "Niners RB Christian McCaffrey, Titans RB Derrick Henry lead Players of the Week". NFL.com. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  49. ^ Poisal, Anthony (May 16, 2023). "Browns acquire Pro Bowl DE Za'Darius Smith in trade with Vikings". ClevelandBrowns.com. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
  50. ^ Russo, Kelsey (March 13, 2024). "Browns re-sign DE Za'Darius Smith". ClevelandBrowns.com. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  51. ^ "Lions agree to terms with Cleveland Browns to acquire DL Za'Darius Smith via trade". detroitlions.com. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  52. ^ Alter, Jared Ramsey and Marlowe. "How Za'Darius Smith performed in his Detroit Lions debut vs. Jaguars". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  53. ^ Vielmetti, Bruce (November 8, 2019). "Body cam video shows cooperative interaction between Packers' Za'Darius Smith and deputies". JSOnline.com. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  54. ^ "2019FO001104 Case Details". wcca.wicourts.gov. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
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