ESPN’s Adam Schefter: The Lions Porched Veteran Defensive End Za'Darius Smith From The Cleveland Browns to Strengthen Their Defense

As the NFL trade deadline approaches on Tuesday, November 5, the Detroit Lions are in urgent need of defensive reinforcements following the injury of star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Lions have targeted veteran defensive end Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns to strengthen their defense.

However, a recent tweet from Smith has raised concerns among fans that the deal might not go through.

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1853787306873827770?t=NS9UQpN64ZrdgmpCmCJ8bQ&s=19

UPDATE Tuesday Morning: The NFL has now confirmed the deal has been completed.

Za’Darius Smith Posts ‘SMH’

Early Tuesday, Smith posted “SMH” (shaking my head) on X before quickly deleting it, causing fans to worry the deal might have fallen through. Smith appeared excited about joining Detroit, so the message had fans questioning if complications had arisen. Time will tell, but all indications suggest the Lions are eager to bring him on board.

https://twitter.com/PatMcAfeeShow/status/1853495332790829217?t=8t8Wc-SBzNIvJP0i8gXyIg&s=19

Earlier, NFL insider Mike Florio suggested a deal with Smith was highly likely.

In a November 3 report, Florio wrote, “The Lions and Browns have been in talks for defensive end Za’Darius Smith. Based on current information, the expectation is that a trade will be finalized by tonight or tomorrow.”

Lions and Browns Debating Compensation

Florio isn’t alone in predicting that Smith, 32, will soon wear Detroit’s Honolulu blue. On the “Pat McAfee Show” Monday, November 4, Adam Schefter echoed Florio’s view on the ongoing negotiations, saying he felt confident a deal was close.

“We’ll use Za’Darius Smith as an example,” Schefter said. “Have the Lions and Browns had major talks? Yes. Have they agreed on compensation? Not yet. They’re still debating that.” He added that another team could potentially step in but expects the Browns and Lions to reach an agreement.

He continued, “Things can always change, but the conversations have been extensive. Teams are always checking in on players, exploring all possibilities to improve their rosters, whether that’s acquiring players or gaining draft pick compensation. For teams with fewer wins, it’s common to look at trading players for future draft picks, while winning teams are more inclined to add talent.”