With Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport sidelined for the season, the Detroit Lions are in desperate need of pass-rushing help. Fans and analysts have been speculating about potential targets ahead of the Nov. 5 trade deadline, with one name standing out: Cleveland Browns edge rusher Za’Darius Smith.
The buzz around Smith makes sense. The Browns, sitting at a dismal 1-5, appear to be sellers after trading Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills. When asked about the trade speculation linking him to the Lions, the three-time Pro Bowler admitted he wasn’t aware of the rumors.
“I didn’t even know about it,” Smith said. He also expressed sympathy for Hutchinson’s season-ending injury while acknowledging he’d welcome a move to Detroit.
“Hate that injury happened to him, a guy that was on his way to get Defensive Player of the Year possibly,” Smith said of Hutchinson, per Scott Petrak of Browns Zone. “That’s a big loss for them. But if I was to go to Detroit, I would like it, because I get to play Green Bay twice a year and the Vikings twice a year. So, yeah, that’ll be big.”
At 32, Smith would likely relish the chance to join a winning team. The Browns’ struggles, largely tied to Deshaun Watson’s performance, have left them far from playoff contention.
While trading for Smith wouldn’t have the impact of acquiring a player like Maxx Crosby, it would still be significant. The veteran edge rusher has three seasons with double-digit sacks and has bounced back from a down year in 2023 (5.5 sacks in 16 games) with three sacks in six games so far in 2024.
Smith’s familiarity with the NFC North could also be an advantage. Having spent three seasons with the Green Bay Packers and one with the Minnesota Vikings, he made it clear he wouldn’t mind facing his former teams.
