Za’Darius Smith Bio
Za’Darius Smith (born September 8, 1992) is an American former professional football linebacker and defensive end who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the East Mississippi Lions and Kentucky Wildcats before being selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL draft. Over the course of his NFL career, he also played for the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, and Philadelphia Eagles.
Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and listed at 270 pounds, Smith built a reputation as a pass-rushing force off the edge. He earned three Pro Bowl selections and a Second-team All-Pro nod, finishing his career with 343 total tackles and 70.5 sacks. In October 2025, he announced his retirement from professional football.
Early Life and Background
Za’Darius Smith was born on September 8, 1992, in Montgomery, Alabama. He grew up in the small city of Greenville, located in the southern part of the state, and attended Greenville High School. Coming from a tight-knit Alabama community, Smith was surrounded by the deep football culture that the state is known for throughout his formative years.
Interestingly, Smith was not a lifelong football player during his childhood. He played basketball in high school and did not start playing organized football until his senior year. Despite the late start, his size and athleticism quickly stood out, and the game opened a path that would eventually carry him to the highest level of professional football.
Path to American Football
After completing high school, Smith joined the East Mississippi Community College Lions, where he played for two seasons and developed into a serious defensive prospect. He recorded 66 tackles and 11 sacks during his time with the Lions, establishing the pass-rushing foundation that NFL scouts would soon notice.
Smith then transferred to the University of Kentucky, joining the Wildcats of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). In his first season at Kentucky in 2013, he started all 12 games and posted 59 tackles with six sacks, a sack total that ranked seventh in the conference. As a senior in 2014, he added 60 tackles and 4.5 sacks, and he earned Third-team All-SEC recognition.
Following the 2014 college season, Smith participated in the 2015 East-West Shrine Game, where he was named the most valuable defensive player. He then accepted a linebacker invitation to the Reese’s Senior Bowl. By the end of the pre-draft process, NFL evaluators ranked him as the 12th best defensive end prospect and projected him as a third or fourth round selection.
Za’Darius Smith Career
Baltimore Ravens Era (2015-2018)
The Baltimore Ravens selected Za’Darius Smith in the fourth round, 122nd overall, of the 2015 NFL draft. The pick had been acquired from the Detroit Lions in exchange for defensive tackle Haloti Ngata. On May 8, 2015, Smith signed a four-year, $2.76 million rookie contract that included a signing bonus of $483,152.
Smith entered his rookie season as a backup behind veteran Terrell Suggs. He made his regular season debut on September 20, 2015, against the Oakland Raiders, and he notched his first career sack on October 1 against Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Michael Vick. As a rookie, he appeared in 15 games and produced 30 tackles and 5.5 sacks. Over his four seasons in Baltimore, Smith developed into a rotational pass rusher and gradually earned more playing time.
Green Bay Packers Breakthrough (2019-2021)
On March 14, 2019, Smith signed a four-year, $66 million contract with the Green Bay Packers, marking a major step up in his career. He wasted little time making an impact, sacking Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky in his Green Bay debut. Throughout the 2019 season, he produced consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, recording multiple sacks against the Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, and Minnesota Vikings. Against the Vikings in Week 16, he recorded 3.5 sacks in a 23-10 win and finished the regular season with a career-high 13.5 sacks. He added two more sacks on Russell Wilson in a Divisional Round playoff victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
In 2020, Smith continued his strong play, forcing a fumble on Taysom Hill against the New Orleans Saints and earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week after sacking Matt Ryan three times against the Atlanta Falcons. His performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection and a spot on the 2020 Second-team All-Pro squad. Back injuries limited his availability in 2021, and he finished his Packers career having been named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons with the team.
Minnesota Vikings (2022)
After being released by Green Bay on March 14, 2022, Smith signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings on March 22, 2022, reuniting him with defensive coaches Mike Pettine and Mike Smith. He delivered one of the most productive stretches of his career during the 2022 season. In October, he was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month after posting 14 tackles, 6.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, and a pass breakup. He was also recognized as NFC Defensive Player of the Week after a Week 8 performance in which he recorded seven tackles, three sacks, and four tackles for loss in a 34-26 win over the Arizona Cardinals. He earned his third career Pro Bowl selection for the 2022 season.
Cleveland Browns (2023-2024)
On May 16, 2023, the Cleveland Browns acquired Smith in a trade that sent two fifth-round picks to the Vikings in exchange for the pass rusher along with a 2025 sixth-round pick and a 2025 seventh-round pick. He started 16 games for the Browns and finished second on the team with 5.5 sacks. On March 13, 2024, Smith signed a two-year contract extension to remain in Cleveland.
Detroit Lions (2024-2025)
On November 5, 2024, Smith was traded to the Detroit Lions in a deal that sent him and a 2026 seventh-round draft pick to Detroit in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick. He made his Lions debut on November 17, 2024, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, recording half a sack on quarterback Mac Jones in a 52-6 win. On March 9, 2025, the Lions released him.
Philadelphia Eagles (2025)
On September 5, 2025, Smith signed a one-year, $9 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played in five games for Philadelphia, including two starts, and recorded 1.5 sacks along with 10 combined tackles. On October 13, 2025, Smith announced his retirement from professional football, closing an 11-season NFL career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Smith’s signature moments include his Week 6 performance in 2018, when he recorded three sacks as part of a team-record 11-sack game in a 21-0 Baltimore Ravens win over the Tennessee Titans, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. He closed his career with 343 total tackles, 70.5 sacks, 16 pass deflections, 10 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries.
Za’Darius Smith Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Smith is the uncle of Detroit Lions wide receiver Jackson Meeks, reflecting a clear family connection to professional football that extends across generations.
2025 Season Performance
Za’Darius Smith’s 2025 season began when he signed a one-year, $9 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles on September 5, 2025. He appeared in five games for Philadelphia, including two starts, and contributed 1.5 sacks and 10 combined tackles to the Eagles defense.
On October 13, 2025, Smith announced his retirement from professional football, bringing an end to his 11-year NFL career. His final campaign with the Eagles served as a brief closing chapter, allowing him to compete at a high level one last time before stepping away from the game.