Za’Darius Smith reportedly paid his new teammate Brodric Martin big money to secure his new jersey number. The defensive end will wear 99, continuing the same number from his former team Cleveland Browns.
The defensive player, brought in as a replacement for the injured Aidan Hutchinson, had luck also on his side. Brodric Martin, listed as the Lions’ official No. 99 player hasn’t started or played in a single game this season so far. As per the NFL guidelines, players aren’t allowed to change numbers after they take the field at least once in one number.
In a talk with reporters, Za’Darius Smith said he was offered numbers in the 60-80s range. However, the 32-year-old Alabamian refused all those options.
I was like, no way. I was like, who has No. 99? They told me who he was and we looked his number up and called him real quick. Thankful to him, a guy from Alabama, Tuscaloosa, had a chance to talk to him a little while, and I had to pay up a little bit, but all is well. I got No. 99 now.
Za’Darius Smith said
Brodric Martin, a fellow Alabamian, was drafted by the Lions in 2023 as 96th overall. He played three games for the team last year registering three tackles. In 2024, Martin started the season on injured reserve and continues to be there.
There is no solid answer as to how much Smith paid. He also kept it vague when asked what the going rate was for such number changes.
Fans might have to wait another week to see Za’Darius Smith on the field in his 99 jersey
There will be some amount of waiting to see Za’Darius Smith in the Lions outfit after all. The NFC leaders are unsure whether the defensive end will make the Houston Texans game on Sunday. Smith’s addition could rattle up a struggling CJ Stroud and their offense.
Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said that Smith will join the team on Friday after a few days off, at which point they’ll assess his readiness to play in the upcoming game.
(I’m) really happy to get Za’Darius. Obviously, he is not with us at this moment. He’ll be back with us on Friday and we’ll see exactly where he’s at. I can’t confirm whether he’s going to play or not. That’ll be up to coach Campbell and (Smith) to see exactly where he’s at, but I am excited having that player.
Aaron Glenn said
Smith’s arrival on the squad will be cold water on a hot day for the ailing Lions. The Lions’ roster has been heavily impacted by injuries along the defensive line over the past month. Aidan Hutchinson (leg), Marcus Davenport (pectoral), Derrick Barnes (knee), and John Cominsky (knee) are all injured that have kept them sidelined for weeks.
