By finalizing a trade with the Cleveland Browns for defensive end Za’Darius Smith on Tuesday, the Detroit Lions paid off all the stories, speculations, and hints that they would acquire him.
The Lions gave Smith a few days off because the Browns had their bye this week, and on Friday, he had his first team practice. Thus, Smith’s initial encounter with Lions media was postponed until Friday, following practice in the locker room.
Smith was questioned about taking a few days off before fully committing to his new team. He got the opportunity to visit his Florida home to check on any damage from the recent hurricanes, but he claimed there were just “small things” to deal with, such a few shingles, fence damage, and a truck that had water damage.
“It was large. “I was obviously traded on Tuesday, and I was traveling from Cleveland, which was actually preparing for their bye week,” Smith stated. “Coach said, ‘Man, we will give you a couple days but we are not going to give you the whole week,’ when he came here to sign. I am glad I managed to get in a few days.
I am grateful for the opportunity to return home for a few days.
Za’Darius Smith’s remarks during his initial meeting with Lions reporters
With his “SMH” tweet early on Tuesday, Smith attracted attention and sparked rumors that he would not be traded to the Lions. He gave reporters an explanation of the widely shared tweet.
Simply put, it was taking too long. Smith remarked, “It was taking too long.” However, they clearly finished it, and I removed it, dude. I apologize to the fans who had other ideas.
Smith mentioned being able to play against the two NFC North clubs he has already played for when the notion of getting dealt to the Lions was floated when he was still with the Browns. On Friday, he reaffirmed that idea.
“I had that in the back of my mind that I get to come back to the North and play these guys again when I got the phone call telling me I was coming here,” Smith recalled. However, everything is fine; I also adore those teams, the cheeseheads, and their devoted fan base. It was also significant to accompany the Skol to the Vikings. I am at the right position now, though. I can not wait because I get to see them twice. It will be quite significant.
“Obviously, I have been in the game for 10 years now, so I know actually football,” Smith stated. “It simply comes down to knowing the blitzes and getting the plays in. I hope that something can be worked out here within the next 24 hours since they essentially want me to be in sync with the blitzes.”
Smith, who is rapidly adjusting to Detroit, attended the Detroit Pistons game on Friday night.
