Chiefs Sign Veteran Edge Rusher, Ex-Lions Star, in Free Agency

Kansas City, MO – April 4, 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs have bolstered their pass rush, signing veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith to a one-year, $10 million deal in free agency, sources confirmed to ESPN on Thursday. The former Detroit Lions standout, fresh off a nine-sack season, joins KC as the Chiefs reload after their Super Bowl LIX loss to the Eagles, aiming to reclaim AFC dominance.

Smith, 32, became a free-agent surprise when the Lions cut him earlier this offseason, despite a 2025 contract worth $11 million. Detroit GM Brad Holmes called it “amicable” at the NFL owners’ meeting, citing cap constraints. “We couldn’t afford him,” Holmes said. The Chiefs, with $11.8 million in cap space (post-Jawaan Taylor trade), pounced—snagging a proven vet for less than his Lions tag.

KC’s pass rush needed juice—39 sacks in 2024 ranked a middling 18th, and their 27th-ranked sack rate without blitzing screamed for help. Smith’s arrival changes that. Last season, he notched 9 sacks—his fourth-best career mark—showing the 33-year-old (by September) still has gas. “Za’Darius brings heat and smarts,” DC Steve Spagnuolo said. “He’s a fit for us.”

The Chiefs see Smith as a short-term spark alongside Chris Jones and George Karlaftis. With Derrick Nnadi and Tershawn Wharton gone, and Calais Campbell, 38, on a one-year deal, Smith’s veteran grit—60.5 career sacks—plugs a gap. He’s no stranger to big stages, and a Super Bowl shot with KC could cap his 10-year run.

Chiefs Kingdom’s hyped on X: “Smith with Jones? QBs are done!” one fan tweeted. “Super Bowl reload engaged,” another added. The Lions’ loss—needing an edge opposite Aidan Hutchinson—is KC’s gain. Smith’s $10 million pact fits snugly under the cap, leaving Veach room to maneuver.

At 32, Smith’s not the future—but he’s the now. Chiefs fans, buckle up: the pass rush just got nastier.