The Detroit Lions bolstered their pass rush at the trade deadline by acquiring defensive end Za’Darius Smith. In exchange, Detroit sent a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns, while receiving Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick.
This move addresses a significant need for Detroit after losing Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport to season-ending injuries. Smith, who has accumulated five sacks in nine games with the Browns this season, will bring both a veteran presence and added pass-rushing ability to a young Lions defense.
Here’s a sampling of national media reactions to the Lions’ trade:
“For Dan Campbell and the Lions, the usual response to losing your top pass rusher would be to search the league for someone with potential to fill that gap. But instead of just hoping, the Lions went and traded for Za’Darius Smith, who comes with a clear chip on his shoulder after feeling mistreated by both the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. Smith has openly criticized his past teams, and now Detroit gets a player who is motivated to prove them wrong. This move makes an already fiery team even more dangerous.”
“From a trade perspective, this is a win for everyone involved—except perhaps the Cleveland Browns. Za’Darius Smith wasn’t in a position to compete for meaningful games in Cleveland, but his move to Detroit puts him in contention for a Super Bowl. The Lions, on the other hand, are adding a proven pass rusher to fill in for Hutchinson’s injury at a relatively low cost. A deal that works out nicely for Detroit all around.
