Logo

Cowboys Reload Pass Rush with $11M Ex-Pro Bowler Cast Off by Lions

May 22, 2025
Frisco, TX

The Dallas Cowboys have made a notable move by entering negotiations to sign veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, who was released by the Detroit Lions in April. At 32 years old, Smith remains a significant threat, recording 9 sacks in the 2024 season despite limited playing time. The Lions’ decision to cut him was purely financial—they couldn’t afford his $11 million salary—not due to his performance.

The Cowboys, having lost Dorance Armstrong and with DeMarcus Lawrence potentially nearing retirement, are in need of a player like Smith to maintain their defensive strength. The team finished 2024 ranked 6th in sacks, but their Wild Card loss highlighted a lack of experience and finishing ability. Smith, a two-time Pro Bowler, could be the perfect piece alongside Micah Parsons, creating a dual threat for opposing offenses. “Putting Smith opposite Parsons on third down is a dangerous move,” ESPN analyst Louis Riddick noted.

With $15.8 million in cap space, the Cowboys can offer Smith a one-year deal worth $10–11 million, potentially with incentives. Beyond his ability to pressure quarterbacks, Smith brings stability in run defense and veteran leadership to a young Cowboys squad. However, risks remain—Smith is 32 and injury-prone. If managed well, he could help the Cowboys go deeper in the 2025 season. This is a gamble, but one worth taking for a Super Bowl run.

0 views
Josh Allen Named AFC Offensive Player of the Week After Insane Week 14 Comeback vs Bengals
For the THIRD time in 2025 and the 18th time in his legendary career, Josh Allen has been crowned AFC Offensive Player of the Week – putting him just behind Tom Brady for the most all-time. What he did to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday wasn’t football… it was a superhero movie. Stats that don’t even sound real: 22/28 (78.6%) – 251 passing yards – 3 passing TDs 9 carries – 78 rushing yards – 1 rushing TD (including a 40-yard sprint for the ages) → 4 total TDs, zero turnovers, and a perfect passer rating in the 4th quarter. The Moments That Broke the Internet Down 11 in the 2nd quarter, 4th-and-4 from the 11-yard line Josh Allen escapes pressure, rolls left, and throws an absolute DIME across his body to Khalil Shakir backing into the end zone. Then hits Dawson Knox for the 2-point conversion. Sean McDermott’s one-word reaction on Monday? “Audacity.” Bengals just took a two-possession lead in the 4th Allen needs only 1:11 to march 75 yards and scores himself on a 40-yard touchdown run – the longest rushing TD by a Bill in regular-season history. Game on the line, 3rd-and-15 with 1:54 left Instead of punting, Josh scrambles for the first down, takes a knee twice, and ends the game. Ballgame. History Made (Again) 11th career game with 3+ passing TDs + 1+ rushing TD → most in NFL history (only player with 10+) First player ever with 20+ pass TDs & 10+ rush TDs in three separate seasons First player ever with multiple games of 250+ pass yds, 75+ rush yds, 3+ pass TDs, 1+ rush TD 50th career game with at least 1 passing + 1 rushing TD → extends his own NFL record Josh Allen didn’t just beat the Bengals – he reminded the entire league why he’s the 2025 MVP front-runner. Bills Mafia, is this the best single-game performance of Josh’s career? Sound off in the comments!