One of the nfl‘s hottest teams is getting a much-needed boost in the pass-rushing department after Detroit agreed to trade for Cleveland Browns defensive end Za’Darius Smith, sources tell ESPN’s Adam Schefter. .
Detroit will receive Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick from the Browns and give up a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick in the trade, according to Schefter.
After losing Pro Bowl running back Aidan Hutchinson in Week 6 to a fractured tibia and fibula during a 47-9 win over the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, the Lions will rely on Smith to take over with a committee approach after losing Hutchinson.
Hutchinson injured his left leg on a play in which he was sacking Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. He was seen as an early favorite to win the Defensive Player of the Year award before getting injured. Entering Week 6, he led the nfl in sacks, pressures and pass rush win rate.
When news of Smith’s trade to Detroit broke, Lions coach Dan Campbell was making his weekly appearance on 97.1 The Ticket. While on air, he was unable to officially confirm the deal, but reiterated his confidence in general manager Brad Holmes.
“Man, I trust him. He knows what he’s doing and if it works, great. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work,” Campbell said on “Costa & Jansen with Heather.” “But it’s like the idea of giving away a lot of money for a player that none of us are going to like, just doesn’t sit well with any of us.
“So if it makes sense, it makes sense. If not, it doesn’t make sense, but we will win with what we have here.”
What does the change mean for the Lions?
It means the Lions are serious about chasing a Super Bowl title and wanted to address one of their biggest areas of concern, which is their pass rush, despite getting off to their best start since 1956 at 7-1.
In five games played, Hutchinson had recorded 7.5 sacks. The rest of the Lions’ defensive linemen this season have combined to record 6.5 sacks. Smith had 5.0 sacks this season for Cleveland, which would be the second most for the Lions; Alim McNeill is 2.5.
Before Tuesday’s trade deadline, Campbell said they were exploring all options at the position, but weren’t pushing anyone to produce at Hutchinson’s level.
“We’re not going to be able to replace Hutch, but there are other things we can do and, you know what? What you have to do is put a bigger load on your ass, and we’ve done it and they’ve risen to the challenge.” Campbell said Oct. 28 after the Titans’ victory. “Has it been perfect? No, but we’re getting takeout, which is huge.” –Eric Woodyard
What does the trade mean for the Browns?
By trading Smith, the Browns lose a leader and accomplished pass rusher whose five sacks trail only Myles Garrett this season.
During his tenure in Cleveland, Smith recorded 10.5 sacks and 27 quarterback hits in 25 games. Smith is the second veteran Cleveland trades amid a disappointing start to the season; Wide receiver Amari Cooper was traded to the Buffalo Bills last month.
The Browns (2-7) don’t have much depth at defensive end, but the focus in Cleveland is on the future. Smith’s departure will allow the team to develop and evaluate young players such as Isaiah McGuire, a 2023 fourth-round pick, and Sam Kamara, a practice squad player who received praise during training camp. –Daniel Oyefusi
How does Smith help the Lions defense?
Smith can create big plays and win one-on-one matchups, which will be key down the stretch for Detroit, starting Sunday night in Houston. The Lions will also host Buffalo in Week 15 before a rematch of their 2023 NFC Championship Game against San Francisco in Week 17.
Smith, a three-time Pro Bowl selection with 65 career sacks, can also take pressure off other players by bringing in additional blockers. He provides a pass rush for a Lions line that struggles to pressure the quarterback. In the three games without Hutchinson, the Lions generated a 30.6% pass rush win rate, which ranks 26th in the league during that span. And in the last two games, against Tennessee and Green Bay, the line generated a sack and the pressure rate dropped to 27%, down from 32% in the first six games of the season. — Woodyard
Where do the Browns go from here?
The Browns entered the 2024 season hoping for a deep playoff run, but the team finds itself in a precarious situation, heading for a top draft pick with one of the oldest rosters in the nfl. Cleveland entered Week 1 with 14 players age 30 or older, the most in the league.
There isn’t much salary flexibility with quarterback Deshaun Watson, whose struggles in Cleveland continued before suffering a season-ending right Achilles tear in Week 7, with cap hits of $72 million each. the next two seasons.
The only other way to rebuild the roster is through cheap draft picks, and the Browns have been building up reserves for the 2025 draft. Cleveland is now up to nine picks in 2025 and is expected to receive a pair of late-round compensatory picks as well. . The Browns could increase their surplus by trading more veterans on cheap contracts. — Oyefusi
Was Smith the best edge rusher available on the market?
For Detroit, yes.
Clearly the Lions, who are in a championship window, valued pedigree and production. Smith has both.
The Lions are less inclined to worry about his age (32) because he has no guaranteed money in 2025. There were younger options on the market (the Giants’ Azeez Ojulari is 24), but Smith wanted to be in Detroit and is a fit. the hardness profile. — Fowler
