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 football defensive end who has played in the NFL since 2015. He attended East Mississippi Community College and later played for the Kentucky Wildcats. Drafted in the fourth round by the Baltimore Ravens, Smith has also played for the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions. He is known for his pass-rushing abilities and impact on defensive schemes.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2014: Senior Season 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

On January 17, 2015, Za'Darius Smith played in the 2015 East-West Shrine Game, recording two tackles and one sack. He was recognized as the game's most valuable defensive player after East defeated West 19–3.

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 34–13 victory over the South.

May 8, 2015: Signing with the Baltimore Ravens

On May 8, 2015, Za'Darius Smith signed a four-year, $2.76 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens, which included a signing bonus of $483,152.

September 20, 2015: Professional 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 his first career sacks, totaling two, against Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback Michael Vick in an overtime win.

2015: NFL Draft and Start of Professional Career

In 2015, Za'Darius Smith was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the NFL draft. This marked the beginning of his professional football career.

2016: 2016 Season Statistics

In the 2016 season, Za'Darius Smith played in 13 games for the Baltimore Ravens, starting in four. He recorded one pass defended, one forced fumble, one sack, 20 tackles, and four quarterback hits.

2017: 2017 Season Statistics

In the 2017 season, Za'Darius Smith appeared in 14 games, starting in four, for the Baltimore Ravens. He recorded one pass defensed, one forced fumble, 3.5 sacks, 24 tackles, and 16 quarterback hits.

2018: Career-High Season and AFC Defensive Player of the Week

In 2018, Za'Darius Smith had a career-high season, appearing in 16 games and starting eight for the Baltimore Ravens. He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after recording three sacks in a win against the Tennessee Titans. He finished the season with 45 combined tackles, 8.5 sacks, two passes defensed, and a forced fumble.

March 14, 2019: Signing with the Green Bay Packers

On March 14, 2019, Za'Darius Smith signed a four-year, $66 million contract with the Green Bay Packers.

December 21, 2020: Pro Bowl Selection

On December 21, 2020, Za'Darius Smith was selected for the 2021 Pro Bowl.

January 8, 2021: All-Pro Team Selection

On January 8, 2021, Za'Darius Smith was selected for the 2020 All-Pro Team second team.

January 12, 2022: Practice Window Opened

On January 12, 2022, the Green Bay Packers opened the practice window for Za'Darius Smith, after he had been on injured reserve.

March 14, 2022: Release by the Packers

On March 14, 2022, Za'Darius Smith was released by the Green Bay Packers to save $15.3 million in salary cap space for the 2023 season.

March 22, 2022: Signing with the Minnesota Vikings

On March 22, 2022, Za'Darius Smith signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings, reuniting him with Mike Pettine and Mike Smith.

May 16, 2023: Trade to the Cleveland Browns

On May 16, 2023, Za'Darius Smith was traded to the Cleveland Browns. The Browns traded two fifth round picks in exchange for Smith, a 2025 sixth-round pick and a 2025 seventh-round pick.

2023: Cap Hit Responsibility

In 2023, Za'Darius Smith would have been responsible for a $27.7 million cap hit, leading to his release from the Packers in 2022.

March 13, 2024: Contract Extension with the Browns

On March 13, 2024, Za'Darius Smith signed a two-year contract extension with the Cleveland Browns.

November 5, 2024: Trade to the Detroit Lions

On November 5, 2024, Za'Darius Smith was traded to the Detroit Lions along with a 2026 seventh round draft pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth round and a 2026 sixth round draft picks.