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Grade Detroit Lions sign DL Chris Smith
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Quick Reaction
Sentiment Analysis
C+
Mixed
NegativeMixedPositive
Lions extend Chris Smith in a routine depth move with minimal fanfare. Media coverage focuses on broader roster shuffles rather than Smith's individual significance. Smith's extension suggests he's a solid rotational contributor, not a cornerstone piece. Fan discussions center on Za'Darius Smith's future, overshadowing this relatively quiet signing. Detroit appears confident in Smith as a capable backup defensive lineman going forward.
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Contract Value Index (CVI)
C+
Fair Value
OverpayFair ValueGreat Value
Chris Smith's extension with Detroit earns a C+ Contract Value Index (CVI), a grade that reflects modest value in a depth-piece role rather than a franchise cornerstone investment. At $1.075M AAV, this is a replacement-level defensive lineman contract — the kind of deal teams use to retain rotational depth without significant cap strain, which aligns with Smith's role in Detroit's defensive rotation. The Lions are currently sitting at 9-8 and fighting for playoff positioning, so locking in a low-cost veteran on the defensive line makes practical sense from a roster-construction standpoint, even if it doesn't move the needle in terms of impact. The real question with CVI this thin is durability: Smith carries injury risk typical of aging defensive linemen, and at this price point, the team is betting on availability over star power — a reasonable hedge but not a value steal. Detroit's willingness to extend him suggests confidence in his scheme fit and locker-room presence, but this is a "get what you pay for" deal in a crowded middle tier of NFL contracts. The C+ reflects functionality without upside; it's the kind of transaction that won't haunt the front office but won't win praise either.
Contract Details
- Total Value
- $1.1M
- AAV
- $1.1M
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About this NFL transaction
The Detroit Lions completed a transaction involving Chris Smith (DL) on January 5, 2026. FanVerdicts covers every reported NFL move — and asks fans to weigh in on each one. Cast your Fan Verdict on this move, see where the crowd lands, and argue the call. FanVerdicts brings its own read too — sentiment and Contract Value Index — as one honest input alongside the crowd's. Where FanVerdicts has weighed in so far: Contract Value Index C+, Sentiment C+.
Contract details below show the years, total value, average annual value, and guaranteed money behind the Contract Value Index read. That read does not change once written — it reflects market expectations at the moment of signing, recomputed only if the contract is restructured.
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