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Detroit Lions: 4 free agent options at linebacker in 2019

By Jeremy Friedrichs

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 23: Za'Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates blocking a pass in the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 23, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets won 24-16. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 23: Za'Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates blocking a pass in the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 23, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets won 24-16. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images /

Za’Darius Smith 

Age/Experience: 26, 4 years
Height/Weight: 6-4, 272
2018 Base Salary: $1,907,000
2018 Statistics: 16 games, 8.5 sacks, 25 quarterback hits, 1 forced fumble

Smith had a breakout season in 2018, registering a career high eight and a half sacks, to go along with 26 quarterback hits for the Baltimore Ravens. He was also an absolute bargain, earning a base salary of just  $1,907,000 last season.

At his size, he is another player who can play all over the front seven. In addition, landing Smith would allow the Lions more flexibility in their draft pursuits. Do they need to draft an edge defender in the first round if they land Smith?

The Ravens are sure to have interest in bringing him back, but if the Lions could lure the former Kentucky Wildcat away from Maryland, it would be a major coup.

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