The Detroit Lions are reportedly on the verge of acquiring Cleveland Browns superstar edge rusher Za’Darius Smith.
According to a report from Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the Lions and Browns will finalize a trade for Za’Darius Smith by tomorrow, potentially as early as tonight. The Lions visit the Green Bay Packers at 4:25 p.m. EST:
“Yes, the Lions and Browns have discussed a potential trade for defensive end Za’Darius Smith. At this point, the expectation is that it’ll be more than talk. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the current expectation is that Smith will be traded to Detroit tonight or tomorrow.”
The 2024 NFL trade deadline is on Tuesday. The Browns began selling last month by dealing star wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills. Smith is signed through 2025, and his contract can be voided in 2026.
🚨BREAKING: All-Pro pass rusher Za’Darius Smith is expected to be TRADED to the #Lions in the next 24 hours, NBC 1st reported.
Smith has been that heavy favorite on @BovadaOfficial to be traded to Detroit for a while now.
👀👀👀👀
(📸via @Dav1dChabot) pic.twitter.com/h6guihQV9J
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) November 3, 2024
The Lions were reported to be in the trade market for edge-rushing help after losing superstar Aidan Hutchinson to injury. Hutchinson fractured his tibia and fibula, and it’s unclear if he’ll return this season.
Za’Darius Smith has five sacks through his first eight games of 2025.
Za’Darius Smith Is The Perfect Pickup For Lions
Za’Darius Smith is still at the top of his game, with five sacks through his first eight games of 2024. He’s the perfect addition for a Detroit team that has the NFC’s top seed in their grasp.
Detroit has lacked pass-rush depth outside of Hutchinson since his arrival in 2022. Smith will certainly help take care of that issue.