One of the unfortunate aspects of the NFL season is the loss of superstar players to season-ending injuries.
During the Detroit Lions’ dominant win over the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, defensive end Aidan Hutchinson suffered such an injury.
Hutchinson’s injury will keep him out for the remainder of the season — unless the Lions reach the Super Bowl — leaving Detroit with a gap to fill in their defense.
Fans initially called for JJ Watt to come out of retirement and join the Lions. However, Watt politely declined, stating that he was enjoying his post-football life.
With the trade deadline approaching, the Lions have a prime chance to find a capable defensive end to replace Hutchinson. With a 5-1 record, Detroit should definitely seek a replacement before the deadline.
Athon Sports’ Doug Farrar proposed a trade idea to bring in Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns. The Browns are in a difficult position, with their starting quarterback out for the season and a slow start to the year.
“Smith is excellent off the edge, but his true value lies in his ability to disrupt multiple gaps,” Farrar explained. “At 6-foot-4 and 275 pounds, Smith is a hybrid defender, combining speed to rush from the outside and strength to overpower guards and centers inside.”
The Browns appear ready to be sellers, having already dealt wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills.
“Smith signed a two-year, $23 million deal with $12 million guaranteed, making his cap hit manageable. With the Browns at 1-6, they might soon embrace a full fire sale,” Farrar continued.
Although Smith isn’t the same caliber as Hutchinson, the Lions are a well-rounded team needing a stopgap. The 32-year-old could provide versatility in various alignments, making him a viable trade target for Detroit.
