Lions Snag Superstar Pro Bowler to Replace Aidan Hutchinson Ahead of NFL Trade Deadline in a Deal Proposal

With the NFL trade deadline looming on November 5, teams classified as “buyers” and “sellers” are making final pushes for new talent. For the Detroit Lions, there’s a clear need to bring in a capable defensive end to help fill the gap left by Aidan Hutchinson, who is out for the rest of the season with a broken tibia.

One possible fit to temporarily bolster the Lions’ defense is considered “a great schematic fit,” as noted by Brad Berreman of SideLion Report. While no one can truly “replace” Hutchinson’s unique impact, the Lions need someone to hold down the fort until he’s back.

Versatile Edge Rusher an Ideal Addition for the Lions

Za’Darius Smith of the Cleveland Browns is one player circulating as a potential replacement for Hutchinson, and Berreman sees the appeal.

“Smith’s name has come up in connection with the Lions, particularly after Hutchinson’s season-ending injury,” Berreman wrote in his October 22 column.

“Smith (6-foot-4, 275 pounds) would fit well in Detroit’s scheme; he’s versatile, effective as both a pass rusher and a run stopper,” Berreman noted. “With four sacks, three tackles for loss, and a top-50 edge defender grade from Pro Football Focus (No. 47 with a 67.6 overall grade) through Week 7, Smith’s 15 pressures rank him 38th in the league.”

Another advantage: Smith could come at a relatively low cost, allowing the Lions some salary flexibility.

“An acquiring team would take on the remainder of his $1.21 million base salary this season, with his $1.5 million salary for next year being non-guaranteed,” Berreman pointed out. “At 32, Smith likely has no place in any future rebuild the Browns might undertake, so trading him for a draft pick now would be wise.”

In another SideLion Report article from October 28, Berreman commented, “With the Browns now 2-6, they’re likely to be sellers at the deadline, and Smith stands as one of their more valuable trade assets. Though he’s made statements showing support for the Browns, he’s also left room for a possible move to Detroit.”

Smith Open to a Move to Detroit

Smith has expressed openness to the idea of joining the Lions.

“That’s a big loss for them,” Smith said to The Chronicle on October 18, when asked about Hutchinson’s injury. “If I went to Detroit, I’d like it, especially since I’d get to play Green Bay and Minnesota twice a year.”

For a Lions team looking for someone eager to face the Packers and Vikings, Smith’s competitive attitude could be a great fit.

The Lions do have options when it comes to filling Hutchinson’s spot. In Bleacher Report’s NFL Trade Block Big Board for Week 8, Kristopher Knox mentioned New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young as another potential Lions target.

“The Lions are a logical destination for any available edge rushers,” Knox wrote, “and if Young becomes available, they should be interested.”