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 a professional American football defensive end currently playing for the Detroit Lions in the NFL. His college football career began at East Mississippi Community College, after which he transferred to the University of Kentucky. Smith was drafted into the NFL in 2015 in the fourth round by the Baltimore Ravens. Throughout his NFL career, he has also been a member of the Green Bay Packers, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Cleveland Browns, showcasing his talent across various teams.
2014: Senior Year at Kentucky
In 2014, as a senior at the University of Kentucky, Za'Darius Smith recorded 60 tackles and 4.5 sacks.
January 17, 2015: East-West Shrine Game Appearance
On January 17, 2015, Za'Darius Smith played in the 2015 East-West Shrine Game, recording two combined tackles and one sack, earning him the most valuable defensive player award.
January 24, 2015: Reese's Senior Bowl Appearance
On January 24, 2015, Za'Darius Smith participated in the Reese's Senior Bowl, contributing to the North team's victory.
May 8, 2015: Signed with Baltimore Ravens
On May 8, 2015, Za'Darius Smith signed a four-year, $2.76 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens, including a signing bonus of $483,152.
September 20, 2015: NFL Regular Season Debut
On September 20, 2015, Za'Darius Smith made his professional regular season debut for the Baltimore Ravens, recording one solo tackle in a game against the Oakland Raiders.
October 1, 2015: First Career Sacks
On October 1, 2015, Za'Darius Smith recorded a season-high four solo tackles and his first two career sacks against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
2015: Drafted by Baltimore Ravens
In 2015, Za'Darius Smith was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the NFL draft.
2016: 2016 Season Performance
In the 2016 season, Za'Darius Smith played in 13 games for the Ravens, starting four, and recorded 20 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and one pass defended.
2017: 2017 Season Performance
During the 2017 season, Za'Darius Smith appeared in 14 games, starting in four, and recorded 24 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one pass defensed.
2018: Career-High Season with Ravens
In 2018, Za'Darius Smith had a career-high season with the Ravens, recording 45 combined tackles and 8.5 sacks and was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week.
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 by Packers
On January 12, 2022, the Packers opened the practice window for Za'Darius Smith, after he was placed on injured reserve.
March 14, 2022: Released by Green Bay Packers
On March 14, 2022, Za'Darius Smith was released by the Green Bay Packers to create 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, Za'Darius Smith was traded to the Cleveland Browns.
2023: Cap Hit Responsibility
In 2023, Za'Darius Smith would have been responsible for a $27.7 million cap hit, prior to his release in 2022.
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.
November 17, 2024: Lions Debut
On November 17, 2024, Za'Darius Smith made his debut for the Detroit Lions, recording half of a sack in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
2025: Involved in Draft Pick Trade
Za'Darius Smith's trade in 2023 to the Cleveland Browns involved a 2025 sixth-round pick and a 2025 seventh-round pick going to the Vikings.
2026: Involved in Draft Pick Trade
Za'Darius Smith's trade to the Detroit Lions in 2024 involved a 2026 seventh round draft pick going to the Cleveland Browns.
