The Detroit Lions' decision to cut Za'Darius Smith this offseason came down to one thing – money. Lions general manager Brad Holmes said the Lions simply could not afford to keep Smith and the $11 million he was due to paid in 2025 in base salary and bonuses.

The Detroit Lions making a move to acquire veteran defensive end Za'Darius Smith in the middle of last season was applauded as the team felt like it was on a trajectory for greatness. The Lions traded a 5th-round pick in 2025 and 6th-round pick in 2026 to acquire Smith and a 2026 7th-round pick in November following the season-ending injury to Aidan Hutchinson.

Holmes explained that retaining Smith on his previous contract was too expensive, but he did mention that the two parties remain in contact with potential for a different deal in the future. The general manager indicated that current and future financial obligations made it difficult to bring Smith back for the 2025 campaign.