Ravens linked to former $66 million Lions pass rusher ahead of NFL training camp

Dharya Sharma

Ravens linked to former $66 million Lions pass rusher ahead of NFL training camp image

The Baltimore Ravens could look to upgrade their pass rush before training camp kicks off in July, and Za'Darius Smith could be a potential target for John Harbaugh's group.

In a recent article identifying landing spots for Smith, NFL Rumors' Ethan Woodie listed Baltimore as a potential destination for the veteran pass rusher.

"The Ravens haven’t been shy recently about adding older veterans to bolster key positions. A year ago, that was RB Derrick Henry, a decision that paid off beautifully. This year, that’s WR DeAndre Hopkins and CB Jaire Alexander. In a similar vein, Baltimore could sign Smith, a perennial double-digit sack guy who could serve as a one-year rental," Woodie wrote.

Smith was released by the Detroit Lions in March and has yet to find a new home. The 32-year-old posted nine sacks and 66 quarterback pressures in 2024 and was a nice trade deadline addition by the Lions, who were in desperate need of pass-rushing help after Aidan Hutchinson's season-ending leg injury.

Baltimore lacks depth at edge behind Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh, so adding Smith to serve as a rotational piece would be a savvy move. The three-time Pro Bowler's veteran experience and leadership would also be incredibly valuable for a Baltimore squad that is looking to get over the hump and reach the Super Bowl.

The Ravens, who still have $15 million in cap space, should sign Smith to a team-friendly deal and bolster their pass rush for a potential championship run in 2025.

MORE: Ravens-Panthers trade proposal sees $56 million 4-time Pro Bowler change teams

Dharya Sharma

A football fan who started his own website to talk about the Tennessee Titans, Dharya Sharma is an up-and-coming sports writer from Nebraska contributing to NFL content for TSN. Along with his duties on Sporting News, Dharya is the social media administrator for Locker Daily Fantasy Sports.