Detroit could lose their \$23 million Pro Bowler to the rival Bears

Za’Darius Smith, who was traded to the Detroit Lions last season, is now a free agent after his release. He could be joining the Chicago Bears in the final stages of free agency.

Smith, who signed a two-year, \$23 million deal with the Cleveland Browns in 2024, had a strong performance in 2023 with nine sacks, including four during his brief time with the Lions. Detroit released him after the season to free up cap space. Pro Football Network’s Sterling Xie suggested the Bears could sign him to bolster their defense. While the Bears have added Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo, and drafted Shemar Turner, their depth on the edge is thin behind Montez Sweat and Odeyingbo. Xie believes Smith would help provide versatility in pass rush packages and ease the snap load on the starters.

Both Smith and Odeyingbo are capable of rushing from the interior in sub-packages, and adding Smith could give the Bears more flexibility. A pass-rush package featuring Sweat and Smith on the edges, with Odeyingbo and either Gervon Dexter Sr. or Turner on the interior, would strengthen the Bears’ defense.

Smith has played for every NFC North team except the Bears. A three-time Pro Bowler, he has accumulated 24.5 sacks over the last three years, with his best seasons coming with the Green Bay Packers, where he was a two-time Pro Bowler and recorded 26 sacks over two seasons.