Steelers Free Agent Pitch Lands Former $66 Million Lions Defender to Bolster Defense

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for a Super Bowl push in 2025, but their edge rusher depth needs a boost. Enter Za'Darius Smith, a former $66 million defender, whose signing could fortify their defense, sources told ESPN on May 15, 2025.

Pittsburgh lost Larry Ogunjobi to the Buffalo Bills in free agency, and Alex Highsmith’s lingering knee injury has exposed vulnerabilities opposite T.J. Watt. The Steelers’ pass rush, ranked 10th in sacks (47 in 2024), needs another proven weapon, per PFF.

Steelers Depot’s Richard Janvrin proposes GM Omar Khan target Smith, a free-agent edge rusher cut by the Detroit Lions before 2025 free agency. “Smith’s veteran presence would elevate Pittsburgh’s pass rush alongside Watt,” Janvrin wrote.

Smith, 32, delivered a stellar 2024 with 9 sacks and 63 quarterback pressures in 17 games for the Lions, stepping up after Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending leg injury in Week 6. Traded from the Cleveland Browns midseason, Smith proved his worth, per NFL.com.

The Steelers’ edge rusher room, featuring Nick Herbig and rookie Jack Sawyer, lacks Smith’s experience. His 3 Pro Bowl nods and 70.5 career sacks offer leadership to a defense that lost vocal veteran Cameron Heyward’s full impact due to age, per The Athletic.

Smith’s market value, estimated at a $3-5 million one-year deal, fits Pittsburgh’s $32 million cap space, per Spotrac. His affordable contract aligns with Khan’s aggressive offseason, including signings of DK Metcalf and Mike Hilton.

There’s no such thing as too many elite pass rushers. Pittsburgh’s top-10 defense was key to their 2024 playoff run, and adding Smith could replicate that formula, ensuring dominance against Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson, per Yahoo Sports.

Khan’s bold moves signal a “win-now” mentality. Signing Smith would solidify the Steelers’ front seven, pairing his veteran savvy with Watt’s havoc to chase an AFC North crown and beyond, per SI.com.