In a blockbuster move just before the NFL trade deadline, the Detroit Lions have acquired veteran defensive end Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns, according to sources. The Lions, currently leading their division at 7-1, have been searching for pass rushing reinforcements ever since losing rookie sensation Aidan Hutchinson to a leg injury last month.
Lions Address Glaring Need
Since Hutchinson went down in Week 5, the Lions’ pass rush has struggled mightily. Over the past three games, Detroit’s pass-rush win rate of just 30.6% ranks 26th in the NFL. Hutchinson’s absence has exposed a lack of depth and put more pressure on the secondary.
Enter Za’Darius Smith. The 32-year-old pass rusher brings an impressive resume to the Lions’ front seven. Smith is a three-time Pro Bowler with 65 career sacks over his 10 NFL seasons. He immediately becomes Detroit’s most accomplished pass rusher.
“Za’Darius is a player we’ve admired for a long time,” a Lions source told ESPN. “When the opportunity presented itself to add a proven veteran of his caliber, we jumped at it. He’ll make an immediate impact and take some pressure off our young guys.”
Still Productive in Cleveland
Smith spent the past two seasons in Cleveland after previous stints in Baltimore, Green Bay, and Minnesota. He recorded five sacks through nine games this year for the Browns, proving he still has plenty of gas left in the tank.
With the Browns falling out of playoff contention at 3-5, they opted to move the veteran and acquire draft capital. Cleveland will receive 5th and 6th round picks in 2025 and 2026 respectively from Detroit, while also sending a 2026 7th rounder to the Lions.
Bolstering a Playoff Push
The addition of Smith signals that the Lions are all-in on making a deep postseason run. At 7-1, they currently hold the second seed in the NFC. But the devastating injury to Hutchinson, the 2nd overall pick, left a major void.
- In 5 games, Hutchinson recorded 6 sacks, 9 QB hits, 5 TFLs
- Lions have just 4 total sacks in 3 games since his injury
- Detroit’s 16 sacks on the season rank 21st in the NFL
Smith will be asked to provide an immediate spark off the edge. His presence should help create more one-on-one matchups for Charles Harris and Julian Okwara, while also allowing promising rookie James Houston to develop at a more reasonable pace.
“I’m excited to be part of this team and this city,” Smith told reporters. “You can tell they have something special brewing here. I’m ready to come in, work hard, and do whatever I can to help this team win a championship.”
High Stakes in the North
The Lions currently hold a one-game lead over the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North. With head-to-head matchups against the Vikings and Green Bay Packers still on the schedule, bolstering the defense was crucial.
Hutchinson is expected to return in December, just in time for a postseason push. Combined with Smith, a healthy Hutchinson would give the Lions a formidable pass-rushing duo for the playoffs. In a conference with elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, pressuring the passer is at a premium.
The Za’Darius Smith trade may very well tip the balance of power in the NFC North and make the Lions legitimate Super Bowl contenders. The next few weeks will reveal just how impactful this aggressive move turns out to be for a franchise seeking its first playoff victory since 1992.
