colts free agent
Za’Darius Smith remains unsigned heading into the new season. Could the veteran edge rusher end up in Indianapolis?
In a recent piece for AtoZSports, Destin Adams highlighted several defensive free agents who could benefit the Colts. Among them, he pointed to Smith as a possible addition before training camp:
“First up would be a bit of luxury signing, but I think it would elevate their defense. Edge rusher Za’Darius Smith is still a free agent and is coming off a successful year with the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, where he finished with nine sacks and 17 QB hits. He would give the Colts a higher floor pass rusher that would stand out above players like Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam, who is coming off a torn Achilles.”
Given their current needs on the edge, Smith might be a strong fit for Indy.
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Reflecting on Smith’s Career
Za’Darius Smith’s journey began at East Mississippi Community College, where he played for two seasons before transferring to Kentucky. In his final year with the Wildcats, he recorded 60 tackles and 4.5 sacks.
The Baltimore Ravens selected him in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Over four seasons in Baltimore, Smith tallied 119 tackles, 18.5 sacks, and 52 quarterback hits. His standout moment came in Week 6 of 2018 when he notched three sacks, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Smith signed a four-year, $66 million deal with the Green Bay Packers in 2019. That year, he posted a career-high 13.5 sacks and went on to make two Pro Bowl appearances during his time in Green Bay. He was also named a second-team All-Pro in 2020.
After a brief stint with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, Smith was traded to the Cleveland Browns and then moved to the Detroit Lions in 2024 following Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending leg injury. The Lions released Smith earlier this offseason.
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Is Smith the Right Fit for the Colts?
In 2023, the Colts had a dominant pass rush, leading the Indianapolis era with 51 sacks—ranking among the NFL’s top five. But last season, that number dipped to 36 sacks, placing them 25th in the league.
It’s clear Indianapolis needs more pressure off the edge in 2025. So far, they’ve been relatively quiet in addressing that need. The team drafted J.T. Tuimoloau in the second round, but his immediate impact remains uncertain.
Samson Ebukam is expected to return from injury, and second-year pass rusher Laiatu Latu could potentially break out. Kwity Paye is also in the mix, bringing 26.5 career sacks into the season.
Still, there’s room for more firepower on the defensive line. A seasoned veteran like Za’Darius Smith could be exactly what the Colts need. At 32, he may not be in his prime, but his leadership and production—three Pro Bowl nods and three double-digit sack seasons—are hard to overlook.
The Colts have already upgraded their defense this offseason with players like Charvarius Ward and Camryn Bynum. Perhaps Za’Darius Smith will be the next key addition.
