Cleveland Brown’s Za’Darius Smith Eyes Potential Move to Detroit Lions: “It Might Be a Good Look”
A top AFC pass rusher, familiar with the NFC North, was open to the idea of a trade to the Detroit Lions when asked about it on Thursday.
Cleveland Browns’ defensive end Za’Darius Smith mentioned in an interview that joining the Lions “might be a good look” for him, suggesting a potential move across Lake Erie.
Smith, 32, was traded to the Browns from the Minnesota Vikings in 2023, signing a two-year, $23 million contract in March.
In a conversation with Scott Petrak of The Chronicle-Telegram, Smith reflected on the loss of Aidan Hutchinson, saying it was “big.” Hutchinson, who had 7½ sacks in five games, was making a case for Defensive Player of the Year before breaking his left leg against the Cowboys.
“I’m staying positive, but now that you mention it (about a trade to the Lions), it might be a good look, a good feel for me,” Smith commented to Petrak.
The Lions (4-1) are considering options to replace Hutchinson. Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed Monday that GM Brad Holmes and staff are exploring ways to bolster the Lions’ edge depth. The Lions have also lost Marcus Davenport (pectoral) and Derrick Barnes (knee) for the season.
“I believe in that D-line,” Campbell said Monday. “But we’re looking. Brad’s good at his job, and we’re evaluating. Our eyes are open.”
Current top edge players for the Lions include Josh Paschal, James Houston, and rookie Isaac Ukwu.
The Browns (1-5) may trade Smith before the Nov. 5 deadline. They already sent wide receiver Amari Cooper to Buffalo, but star defensive end Myles Garrett has expressed a desire to stay.
The Browns are tied for the worst record in the NFL after making the playoffs last season.
Smith has previously played four seasons in the NFC North with the Packers and Vikings, earning three Pro Bowl selections. He has 63 career sacks, including three this year. Smith has played in six of eight possible games, recording two sacks against Detroit during his time in the division. He was originally drafted in the fourth round by Baltimore in 2015.
“If I went to Detroit, I’d like it because I could face Green Bay and Minnesota twice a year. That would be big,” Smith added.
Last season, the Lions made a midseason trade with the Browns, acquiring wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones for a 2025 sixth-round pick.
Hutchinson led the NFL in sacks and pressures (45) before his injury, helping anchor a Lions defense ranked eighth in points allowed (18.2 per game).
On Thursday, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said the team must be creative in compensating for Hutchinson’s absence ahead of their Sunday matchup against the 5-0 Vikings.
“Every week we build our plan around players,” Glenn said. “It’s not about just the scheme. We aim to maximize their strengths and minimize weaknesses. That’s our plan.”
