Za’Darius Smith: Team| Girlfriend| Contract| Kids| Teams| Instagram

Za’Darius Smith: Team | Girlfriend | Contract | Kids | Teams | Instagram

Za’Darius Smith is a name known to fans of the NFL as a powerful edge rusher who carved out a sustained professional career. Over more than a decade in the league, he has played for multiple teams, signed several contracts, experienced highs and lows, maintained a social media presence, and navigated his personal life under public scrutiny. In this comprehensive article, we dig into his career path, teams, contract history, family life, relationships, and Instagram presence — as well as addressing common questions about him.

Early Life and College

Za’Darius Smith was born on September 8, 1992, in Montgomery, Alabama. He attended Greenville High School, Alabama, and interestingly did not play organized football until his senior year. Before that, he played basketball.

After high school, Smith played two years at East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), where he recorded 66 tackles and 11 sacks during his tenure. He then transferred to the University of Kentucky, where in his junior year he logged 59 tackles and 6 sacks, and as a senior 60 tackles and 4.5 sacks.

His ascent from a late-start footballer to a collegiate starter helped raise his draft prospects.

NFL Draft & Early Career

In the 2015 NFL Draft, Za’Darius Smith was selected in the 4th round (122nd overall) by the Baltimore Ravens. He signed a four-year rookie deal with Baltimore, which included a signing bonus.

He spent 2015–2018 with the Ravens. During his time with Baltimore, he gradually developed his pass-rush skills and gained more playing time.

Teams & Career Movements

Za’Darius Smith’s NFL journey includes stints with multiple teams:

1. Baltimore Ravens (2015–2018)
   He began his pro career here and matured his game.

2. Green Bay Packers (2019–2021)
   After leaving Baltimore, Smith signed with Green Bay, where he reached some of his best seasons, including 13.5 sacks in 2019 and 12.5 sacks in 2020.

3. Minnesota Vikings (2022–2023)
   He inked a three-year, $42 million contract with Minnesota, reuniting with defensive coaching familiarities. He also won the NFC Defensive Player of the Month in October 2022.

4. Cleveland Browns (2023–2024)
   In May 2023, he was traded to the Browns. In March 2024, he signed a two-year extension with Cleveland.

5. Detroit Lions (Late 2024 – early 2025)
   On November 5, 2024, Smith was traded to Detroit, along with a 2026 seventh-round pick, in exchange for draft assets.  He made his Lions debut on November 17, recording a half sack.  However, in March 2025, the Lions released him.

6. Philadelphia Eagles (2025)
   Shortly thereafter, on September 5, 2025, Smith signed a one-year, $9 million contract with the Eagles. Midway through the season, on October 13, 2025, he announced his retirement from the NFL.

By career end, his stats include 343 total tackles, 70.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, and 16 pass deflections.

He played in 145 NFL games (98 starts).

His retirement post came as a surprise to many, especially after joining a new team for the 2025 season.

Contracts & Earnings

Za’Darius Smith’s contracts reflect his rising value:

• Rookie contract (Baltimore Ravens): 4 years, included signing bonus.

• With Minnesota Vikings: 3-year, $42 million deal.

• Browns extension: 2-year extension signed in March 2024.

• Lions trade and release: his 2025 base was non-guaranteed, giving Detroit flexibility.

• Eagles contract: one-year deal in 2025 worth ~$9 million.

It is reported that his Eagles contract included a $2.25 million signing bonus.

These contracts and moves show how he leveraged his performance peaks to maximize his earnings, while navigating team changes and salary cap constraints.

Personal Life & Family (Kids, Relationships)

Kids / Children

There is no confirmed public record of Za’Darius Smith having children as of the latest updates. Most biographical and news sources do not list any kids.

Girlfriend / Relationship History

One of the more publicized relationships Smith had was with rapper Kash Doll (real name Arkeisha Antoinette Knight). They reportedly began dating in early 2025. However, recently they broke up, with Kash Doll citing mental health and the need for space, and Smith confirming the breakup with a simple “Single” post on Instagram.

Thus as of the latest, he is not publicly confirmed to have a current girlfriend.

Smith’s parents are Sharon Smith and Robert Meeks. He also has a brother, Bob Meeks, who played center at Auburn and briefly in the NFL.  Interestingly, Smith is also the uncle of Jackson Meeks, a wide receiver for the Detroit Lions.

Instagram & Social Presence

Za’Darius Smith maintains an active presence on Instagram, where he shares glimpses from his life, football career, endorsements, motivational messages, and personal reflections.

• Before retirement, he used Instagram to announce his retirement and express gratitude toward the game and his family.

• His Instagram also played a role in publicizing the breakup with Kash Doll.

• He has tens to hundreds of thousands of followers (numbers vary with time) and often posts content related to fitness, family, and personal growth.

His social media gives fans a window into the man behind the jersey.

Legacy, Highlights & Impact

Career Highlights

• 3× Pro Bowl: 2019, 2020, 2022

• Second-team All-Pro in 2020

• NFC Defensive Player of the Month (October 2022)

• Accumulated more than 70 career sacks and 343 tackles

• Played for six NFL teams over an 11-year span.

Impact & Reputation

Smith is known for his strong edge rush, versatility in defensive schemes, and leadership in locker rooms. He often talked about wanting to win a championship ring and contributing to team culture.

His path — beginning football late, working his way up through junior college, then becoming a high-impact NFL defender — gives him a unique story and credibility as someone who overcame odds.

His retirement announcement came in October 2025, after only a few games with the Eagles in his final season.

Timeline Summary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Does Za’Darius Smith have children?
A: As of current publicly available information, there is no confirmation that Za’Darius Smith has any children.

Q2: Who is Za’Darius Smith’s girlfriend / partner?
A: He was previously in a relationship with rapper Kash Doll in 2025. However, they officially announced their breakup, with Smith confirming via Instagram.

Q3: Which teams did Smith play for in his career?
A: He played for the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, and Philadelphia Eagles.

Q4: When did he retire and why?
A: Smith announced his retirement on October 13, 2025, via Instagram. He had signed with the Eagles earlier that season but opted to step away mid‐season. The precise reasons (injuries, health, personal) were not fully disclosed.

Q5: How much did Za’Darius Smith earn in his Eagles contract?
A: His 2025 contract with the Eagles was reported to be around $9 million, including a $2.25 million signing bonus.

Q6: What are his career statistics?
A: Over 11 seasons, Smith compiled 343 tackles, 70.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, and 16 pass deflections across 145 games.

Q7: What is his Instagram presence?
A: Smith has a strong Instagram presence, using it to share career moments, personal reflections, announcements (like his retirement), and promote brand endorsements. His breakup with Kash Doll was also publicly confirmed there.