Za’Darius Smith, an NFL defensive end known for his pass-rushing prowess, has built an impressive net worth of $100,967,546 as of 2025. From his early days with the Baltimore Ravens to his current stint with the Detroit Lions, Smith’s journey through the NFL has been marked by lucrative contracts, smart financial moves, and consistent on-field performance. In this article, we break down Za’Darius Smith’s salary, career earnings, contract details, and financial outlook, offering a comprehensive view of how he has amassed his wealth and what the future might hold.
Early Career and Earnings with the Baltimore Ravens
Za’Darius Smith’s NFL career began in 2015 when he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round. Over his four seasons with the Ravens, Smith earned approximately $4 million. Although these were modest earnings compared to his later contracts, they set the stage for his breakout in 2018 when he recorded 8.5 sacks and made a strong case for a substantial payday.
Smith’s performance in his final season with Baltimore attracted the attention of teams across the league, highlighting his ability to disrupt the backfield and create pressure on quarterbacks. This success on the field was instrumental in securing his first major contract with the Green Bay Packers.
The Green Bay Packers Era: A $66 Million Payday
In 2019, Za’Darius Smith signed a four-year, $66 million contract with the Green Bay Packers, including a $20 million signing bonus. This contract was a game-changer for Smith, significantly boosting his net worth and establishing him as one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers. The deal averaged $16.5 million per year, reflecting the Packers’ belief in his potential to anchor their defensive line.
Smith did not disappoint, delivering back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons in 2019 and 2020. In his first year with Green Bay, he recorded 13.5 sacks, followed by 12.5 sacks in 2020, making him one of the most effective pass rushers in the league. His impact was immediate and profound, both on the field and financially.
In 2020, Smith’s contract was restructured to provide an additional $9.5 million in upfront money, demonstrating his agent Erik Burkhardt’s strategic approach to maximizing earnings while maintaining cap flexibility for the Packers. This move also exemplified Smith’s focus on securing his financial future while staying competitive in the league.
Short-Lived Success with the Minnesota Vikings
After an injury-plagued 2021 season with the Packers, Za’Darius Smith signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022. The deal included a combination of base salary, signing bonuses, and performance incentives, reflecting the Vikings’ confidence in Smith’s ability to rebound.
Smith’s time in Minnesota, however, was short-lived. Despite a promising start, the partnership did not last beyond a year. In 2023, Smith was traded to the Cleveland Browns, where he continued to showcase his defensive capabilities, earning $10.5 million for the season. His ability to adapt to different defensive schemes while maintaining high performance has been a key factor in sustaining his high earnings.
Current Contract and 2024 Earnings
In 2024, Za’Darius Smith signed a two-year contract extension with the Cleveland Browns before being traded to the Detroit Lions in November. His earnings for 2024 totaled $12 million, broken down into a base salary of $1,210,000 and a signing bonus of $10,790,000. This structure allowed the Lions to manage their salary cap effectively while ensuring Smith remained one of the highest-paid defensive ends in the NFL.
For the 2025 season, Smith’s contract includes a base salary of $1.5 million and potential performance-based incentives, with a projected total salary of $11 million. The contract is partially guaranteed, offering financial security while keeping him a valuable asset for the Lions.
Career Earnings and Net Worth
As of 2025, Za’Darius Smith’s total career earnings have surpassed $100 million, placing him among the wealthiest defensive players in the league. His net worth of $100,967,546 reflects not only his NFL salaries but also bonuses and performance incentives accrued throughout his career.
Despite not reaching the financial heights of elite pass rushers like Nick Bosa ($34 million per year) and Myles Garrett ($25 million per year), Smith’s consistent earnings across multiple teams highlight his ability to negotiate favorable contracts and maximize his market value.
Strategic Financial Moves and Agent Impact
Smith’s agent, Erik Burkhardt, has played a pivotal role in negotiating team-friendly yet lucrative deals. From restructuring his Green Bay contract to secure additional upfront money to navigating trades and new contracts, Burkhardt’s strategy has ensured Smith’s financial growth.
Smith’s decision to move from the Packers to the Vikings and later to the Browns and Lions, despite shorter stints, reflects a focus on maximizing contract values and signing bonuses rather than long-term deals with less financial flexibility. This approach has allowed Smith to maintain a high earning trajectory while keeping his options open for future negotiations.
Financial Comparison with Other Defensive Ends
While Za’Darius Smith’s salary is above average, it falls short of the NFL’s top earners at the defensive end position. Nick Bosa’s $34 million annual salary and Myles Garrett’s $25 million per year highlight the gap between elite pass rushers and the next tier, where Smith is positioned.
However, Smith’s financial decisions, including opting for contracts with substantial signing bonuses and performance incentives, have allowed him to stay competitive. His ability to adapt to different defensive schemes and deliver consistent sack numbers ensures that his financial standing remains strong despite the disparities in base salary.
Future Financial Outlook
Looking ahead, Za’Darius Smith’s financial future hinges on his performance in the 2025 season and beyond. If he stays injury-free and continues to deliver as an elite pass rusher, he could secure another multi-year deal, potentially pushing his career earnings further.
The market for veteran edge rushers remains robust, and Smith’s experience and proven track record make him a valuable asset. Additionally, his performance-based incentives in the current contract offer the potential to increase his earnings significantly.