The Detroit Lions are actively looking to replace their injured star edge rusher, Aidan Hutchinson, and have reportedly reached out regarding a three-time Pro Bowl player from a struggling AFC North team.
Dianna Russini shared on Saturday, Nov. 2, that Detroit has approached the Cleveland Browns about acquiring defensive end and pass-rush specialist Za’Darius Smith.
“Lions coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have been searching for an edge rusher after Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending injury. Despite Hutchinson not playing since Oct. 13, he remains third in the NFL in sacks,” Russini posted on X. “Detroit has explored options with several teams, including Cleveland, in hopes of bringing in Za’Darius Smith.”
The Lions had difficulty pressuring the quarterback against the Tennessee Titans last week but still dominated, winning 52-14.
Campbell acknowledged the limited pressure (Detroit managed just 1 sack) and noted that the Lions are keen to boost their edge rush before the Nov. 5 trade deadline.
“We’re aware of the deadline. We’re working through it,” Campbell stated. “There are other ways to create pressure, and sure, we’d like a bit more. But we’re aware and still looking. No, we’re not in panic mode.”
Smith has amassed 81 tackles for loss and 65 sacks over his 10-year career in 131 regular season games, according to Pro Football Reference. So far in 2024, he’s posted 5 sacks and 5 tackles for loss in eight games.
