The Detroit Lions released former trade acquisition and edge rusher Za’Darius Smith this offseason to free up playing time for Marcus Davenport and a host of other players at his position.
The jury remains out on whether Detroit will bring back the former Cleveland Browns sack specialist after he had a solid run with Detroit before their playoff loss to Washington.
On Monday, Smith found himself back in the spotlight as he strutted the red carpet with his well known girlfriend, a rapper and actress from the Motor City with whom he shared a public display of affection.
Za’Darius Smith chases Colts QB Anthony Richardson on Nov. 24, 2024.
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
“Matching fits for @kashdoll and @Za’Darius Smith at the #BETAwards,” cbsmornings wrote on TikTok, sharing video of the couple at the ceremony.
@cbsmornings Matching fits for @kashdoll and Za’Darius Smith at the #BETAwards 👏
“Who else is hyped?” one fan said on TikTok after watching the couple.
“This makes me feel on top of the world!” another added.
Kash Doll, born Arkeisha Antoinette Knight, is a rapper and actress from Detroit who first fueled dating rumors in March 2025, shortly after the end of the Lions’ 2024-25 season.
Smith, a 2015 fourth-round pick out of Kentucky, had 22 solo tackles and nine sacks with Detroit last season, helping to shore up a defensive line that was ravaged by injuries late in the season.
Many Lions fans have clamored for the return of Smith, who has been linked to the Buffalo Bills as an offseason possibility.
The Lions are expected to start a front four of Davenport, Alim McNeill, DJ Reader, and Defensive Player of the Year candidate Aidan Hutchinson, which could rank among the best in the NFL by the time the 2025-26 season is all said and done.
