The Los Angeles Chargers, having completed a successful 2025 NFL Draft, can now focus on the one or two pieces they may still need in order to make a run to the Super Bowl this coming season.
The Chargers are a good team and figure to be among the best in the AFC in 2025, but many predict that the team will add another pass-rusher in addition to Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipolotu and Bud Dupree. The team chose Kyle Kennard in the fourth round of the draft, but an experienced veteran could help push this defense over the top.
Alex Kay of Bleacher Report recently took a look at some of the best remaining free-agent options on the market and found their best possible landing spot. Kay feels that the Chargers are the optimal spot for Za'Darius Smith.
Smith was traded by the Cleveland Browns to the Detroit Lions to help with the Lions' push toward a Super Bowl last season, but the Lions chose to move on from him this offseason. He is now looking for a new home and a new contract.
"Za’Darius Smith is looking for a new home after the Detroit Lions waived him at the start of the new league year.
Smith fared well in Detroit despite having to learn a new system following a midseason trade from the Cleveland Browns. Between both teams, Smith suited up for all 17 games and contributed nine sacks, 35 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 17 quarterback hits and a pass breakup.
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Although Smith didn't earn a fourth career Pro Bowl nod or reach the double-digit sack mark for the fourth time, he still has plenty of tread left on his tires and can contribute to a contender.
The Los Angeles Chargers should be right in the mix this year, but they need some extra juice on the edge after parting ways with longtime pass-rusher Joey Bosa. They still have Khalil Mack, but Smith could solidify a stout Jim Harbaugh defense that didn’t add anyone other than Oregon defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell during the first two days of the draft", wrote Kay.
Smith has 69 career sacks and has three double-digit sack seasons in his career. He would be a great addition as a situational pass-rusher this coming season, even at 32 years old (33 in September).
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