What would the Lions need to trade for Browns DE Za’Darius Smith? NFL insider Jeremy Fowler has an estimate.
Cleveland Browns’ defensive end Za’Darius Smith has become a popular trade target for the Detroit Lions. The fit makes sense: Smith, at 6-foot-4 and 275 pounds, has the physical profile to potentially replace Aidan Hutchinson and continues to perform well, boasting 5.0 sacks and a 70.0 PFF pass-rush grade. Smith himself has even stated that he sees the Lions as a suitable team.
The primary question is the trade price, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently shared his insight from sources.
“While Cleveland won’t likely give up core players, they might be open to a move if the right offer comes along,” Fowler explained on Wednesday. “A solid Day 3 pick for Smith could probably close the deal, based on what I’m hearing.”
Currently, the Lions hold five Day 3 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, including their original fourth- and fifth-round picks. They also have a sixth-round pick from the Buccaneers (via the Carlton Davis trade) and two seventh-round picks, one acquired from Dallas in exchange for moving up to draft Terrion Arnold. (Their original sixth-round pick went to Cleveland for Donovan Peoples-Jones.)
These resources give Detroit flexibility to make a move if they choose. The Lions would also inherit Smith’s contract, but he’s on a league-minimum salary this year ($1.21 million), with most of his 2025 earnings tied to non-guaranteed roster bonuses ($1.5 million salary next season).
The Lions have stated they’re actively exploring trade options, with GM Brad Holmes working hard on potential moves. However, coach Dan Campbell stressed they’re not desperate and are thoroughly assessing in-house options to adjust for Hutchinson’s absence.
“We’re still discussing and exploring it,” Campbell said Monday. “I’m not worried; there are other ways to create pressure. Could we use more? Sure, but we’re evaluating carefully, and we’re definitely not in panic mode.”
