Za’Darius Smith and the Detroit Lions look like a natural trade pairing, but if Detroit doesn’t act soon, other teams could snatch him away.
As the Lions search the market for an edge rusher, the urgency to strike a deal is growing with the trade deadline looming on Nov. 5.
There’s been extensive speculation linking the Lions to Cleveland Browns defensive end Za’Darius Smith. Smith reportedly has interest in Detroit, the potential trade cost is appealingly low, and he perfectly suits what the Lions want in an edge defender.
At 32, Smith is not seen as part of Cleveland’s future, and his affordable contract makes him a desirable trade target. Many teams are likely interested, and for good reason.
While one of their rivals moved fast to fill a gap from a key injury, the Lions have yet to act to support Aidan Hutchinson. Thoroughly assessing options is wise, but the window to act is closing quickly.
Even though Smith and the Lions look like an ideal match, Detroit isn’t alone in their interest, with the Browns fielding multiple offers. There’s a strong chance Smith will be with a new team by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET, and it may not be Detroit if the Lions hesitate.
Here are five teams that could snag Smith away from the Lions before the trade deadline.
Five teams that could outbid the Lions for Za’Darius Smith
Dallas Cowboys
With a 3-4 record, the Cowboys could go either way at the trade deadline, but knowing Jerry Jones, they’re likely to be buyers. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell captured this sentiment in his column about teams that should consider trades.
On a quieter front, the Cowboys clearly need defensive help. Smith’s low-cost salary wouldn’t deter them, so avoiding the deal over finances would feel unfounded even if Jones sees himself as a step ahead.
With Jones in charge and often unchecked, the Cowboys are known to overpay in trades (see the Trey Lance trade). The Browns could use that to their advantage if Dallas makes an offer that tops others, and no one could blame them.
The bottom line: the Cowboys, even if it seems unlikely, are a real threat to outbid the Lions for Smith before the trade deadline.
