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Report: Lions to release Za'Darius Smith

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The Detroit Lions plan to release pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Smith was acquired by the Lions in November from the Cleveland Browns for multiple late-round draft picks. He had one season remaining on a two-year, $23-million contract he signed with the Browns in 2024.

The 32-year-old played 60% of Detroit's defensive snaps in eight games, racking up 10 quarterback hits and four sacks.

Smith was selected in the fourth round of the 2015 draft by the Baltimore Ravens. He's also spent time with the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings during his 10-year NFL run.

The Kentucky product has 333 tackles and 69 sacks in 140 career games.

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