Frisco, TX – April 16, 2025
The Dallas Cowboys just got tougher — and scarier. After losing Dorance Armstrong and missing out on top-tier edge rushers in free agency, Jerry Jones and company are reportedly in serious talks to sign veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith, who was recently released by the Detroit Lions.
Smith, 32, remains a nightmare for offensive lines, logging 9 sacks in 2024 despite limited snaps. His departure from Detroit wasn’t performance-related — it was pure cap math. Smith was due $11 million, and the Lions simply couldn’t make it work.
“This guy can still bring hell off the edge,” one NFC East scout said.
“He’d be a perfect rotational monster behind Micah Parsons.”
🔁 Replacing Lost Power
With Armstrong off to Jacksonville and DeMarcus Lawrence entering what might be his final season in Dallas, Smith could be the bridge between eras for the Cowboys’ pass rush unit.
The Cowboys finished 2024 ranked 6th in sacks, but playoff struggles exposed their need for more veteran leadership up front — and someone who can draw double-teams away from Parsons.
💰 Cap Crunch? Not Really.
Dallas enters the draft with $15.8 million in cap space, and according to insiders, a 1-year, $10–11 million deal for Smith is “completely doable,” especially if it’s structured with incentives.
“He wants to win — and he’s not chasing money anymore,” a source close to Smith said.
🧠 What Smith Brings to Big D
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🛑 Run Defense Stability
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🔥 QB Pressure from Both Ends
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📣 Veteran Grit in a Young Locker Room
Smith, a 2-time Pro Bowler, brings postseason experience and an edge Dallas sorely missed in the 2024 Wild Card loss.
“You line up Smith opposite Parsons on third down? That’s lethal,” said ESPN analyst Louis Riddick.
“Dallas doesn’t need flash. They need finishers. Za’Darius Smith is exactly that.”
