Za'Darius Smith Signs with a Super Bowl Contender

Za'Darius Smith celebrates a sack for the Detroit Lions, via Junfu Han, Imagn Images

Former Kentucky defensive end Za’Darius Smith was searching for the right landing spot to spend the 2025 season. Still without a Super Bowl ring, he’s finally in a place where they wear them regularly.

Over 10 NFL seasons, the veteran pass rusher has played for five different teams. Almost all of them have been contenders, and yet he’s never gotten a chance to play on the final Sunday of the NFL season. He came close a couple of times with the Packers. Last fall, he performed admirably as Aidan Hutchinson‘s replacement in Detroit, but the Lions fell in the first round of the playoffs following a 15-win regular season.

There were plenty of folks in Detroit who wanted the Lions to re-sign Big Z. Smith publicly campaigned to return to Detroit. As the season drew near, the sides could not reach an agreement, opening the door for Smith to sign a deal elsewhere.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports the Eagles have signed Za’Darius Smith to a one-year deal worth $9 million. The Eagles have been to two of the last three Super Bowls, and are just days removed from hanging a banner ahead of a win over the Dallas Cowboys. Big Z already looks right at home in Philly.

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Eagles have signed veteran pass rusher Za'Darius Smith and placed Ben VanSumeren on Injured Reserve pic.twitter.com/CsOADbMteD
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) September 5, 2025

Smith will turn 33 this week before he suits up for the Eagles for the first time. Even though he’s on the back-9 of his career, he hasn’t been slowed down too much at all.

In seven starts for the Lions, he tallied 4.0 sacks, bringing his career total to 69.0. Nice. He split the season with the Cleveland Browns, and his 9.0 sacks ranked in the Top 20 in the NFL. He also ranked in the Top 20 in pressures (63, 12th), hurries (46, 7th), and pressure rate (15.9%, 16th).

The first star Mark Stoops recruited to Kentucky has been an exceptional pro. He has an opportunity to make a few more highlights with a Super Bowl contender as he inches toward retirement. Hopefully, it ends with a few fireworks for the beloved member of BBN.

Kick off the 2025 Kentucky football season with KSR Plus! We’re giving you behind-the-scenes intel you won’t find anywhere else. Join the most vibrant online community in BBN ahead of a pivotal season for Mark Stoops.