Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Za'Darius Smith
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Za'Darius Smith made an impact.
Za'Darius Smith is an American professional football defensive end currently playing for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL draft after playing college football at East Mississippi and Kentucky. In addition to the Eagles and Ravens, he has also played for the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, and Detroit Lions. His career has been marked by moving around to several teams as a productive pass rusher.
May 8, 2015: Signed by Baltimore Ravens
On May 8, 2015, Za'Darius Smith signed a four-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens worth $2.76 million, which included a signing bonus of $483,152.
September 20, 2015: NFL Regular Season Debut
On September 20, 2015, Za'Darius Smith made his NFL regular season debut for the Baltimore Ravens during a 37-33 loss to the Oakland Raiders, recording one solo tackle.
October 1, 2015: First Career Sack
On October 1, 2015, Za'Darius Smith recorded a season-high four solo tackles and made his first career sack on Steelers’ quarterback Michael Vick during a 23–20 overtime win against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
March 14, 2019: Signed with Green Bay Packers
On March 14, 2019, Za'Darius Smith signed a four-year, $66 million contract with the Green Bay Packers.
January 12, 2022: Practice Window Opened
On January 12, 2022, the Packers opened the practice window for Za'Darius Smith, allowing him to potentially return from injured reserve.
March 14, 2022: Released by the Packers
On March 14, 2022, Za'Darius Smith was released by the Green Bay Packers to save salary cap space.
March 22, 2022: Signed with Minnesota Vikings
On March 22, 2022, Za'Darius Smith signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings.
May 16, 2023: Traded to Cleveland Browns
On May 16, 2023, the Cleveland Browns traded for Za'Darius Smith.
March 13, 2024: Signed Contract Extension with Browns
On March 13, 2024, Za'Darius Smith signed a two-year contract extension with the Cleveland Browns.
November 5, 2024: Traded to Detroit Lions
On November 5, 2024, Za'Darius Smith was traded to the Detroit Lions.
March 9, 2025: Released by the Lions
On March 9, 2025, Za'Darius Smith was released by the Detroit Lions.
September 5, 2025: Signed with Philadelphia Eagles
On September 5, 2025, Za'Darius Smith signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles for $9 million.
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