Is the missing piece of the New York Jets defensive line still a free agent?
Despite Will McDonald’s breakout 2024 season, in which he posted 10.5 sacks, the Jets could use another reliable player on the edge. While they also have Jermaine Johnson, who fans hope will return successfully from an Achilles tear, nothing is a guarantee.
Behind McDonald and Johnson, the Jets have several players who will likely compete for roster spots in training camp, including Rashad Weaver, Eric Watts, Micheal Clemons, and Braiden McGregor.
Given this, the Jets could benefit from additional help on the edge, both in terms of pass rushing and stopping the run. One three-time Pro Bowler, who has a direct connection to head coach Aaron Glenn, remains on the open market and could bolster the unit.
Should the Jets Sign Za’Darius Smith?
Za’Darius Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler, was released by the Detroit Lions in early March.
Smith, 32, started the 2024 season with the Cleveland Browns before being traded to the Lions in November. In 17 games across both teams, Smith recorded 9.0 sacks and tied for 10th among edge rushers with 60 total pressures.
Smith was even more productive in Aaron Glenn’s defense. Across his eight games with the Lions (Weeks 11-18), Smith recorded 36 total pressures, tying him for the third-most among edge rushers over that span.
Over his 10-year NFL career, Smith has established himself as a premier pass rusher, totaling 69 career sacks, including 13.5 in 2019 and 12.5 in 2020. He is an experienced sack artist whose tutelage would be valuable for the Jets’ young edge unit.
The 6-foot-4, 279-pounder also remains a competent player against the run. In 2024, his 62.8 run defense grade (via Pro Football Focus) ranked 55th among 115 qualified edge rushers (min. 100 run defense snaps). While it isn’t anything special, it was better than every Jets edge rusher in 2024 outside of Eric Watts.
Smith would be a perfect fit for the Jets, providing the veteran presence the Jets’ defensive line needs. He is a complete edge rusher, more than capable of pressuring the quarterback while also impacting the run game.
In addition, Smith would not affect the Jets’ compensatory draft pick formula because he was released by Detroit (rather than having his contract expire).
Familiarity With Coaching Staff
After being traded to Detroit in November, Smith appeared in eight games for the Lions, recording 4.0 sacks and 36 quarterback pressures. He played a key role in stabilizing the pass rush following Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending injury in Week 5.
During his stint in Detroit, Smith worked closely with Glenn, who was the Lions’ defensive coordinator from 2021-24.
“Personality out of this world, energy out of this world,” Glenn said of Smith in November. “He really fits who we are when it just comes to us as a team and really us as a defense. He does have violence to him; he does have a physical nature to him.”
As the Jets undergo a cultural and schematic reset under Glenn, adding a respected veteran like Smith, who is already familiar with the coaching staff and system, could be valuable.
The Jets have an opportunity to add a legitimate game-changer, and they shouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger.
