After Hutchinson's Injury, Lions Acquire DE Za'Darius Smith from Browns

Nov 5, 2024, 01:15 PM

The Detroit Lions have acquired defensive end Za'Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns in a trade ahead of the NFL trade deadline. Smith, who previously played for the Packers and Vikings, continues his NFC North tour with this move. The Lions, who had been rumored to be adding Smith for weeks, are currently leading the NFC with a 7-1 record and sought to bolster their pass rush following the season-ending injury to star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. The trade terms include Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick going to Detroit in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick; the Browns had originally sought a fourth-round pick. The Lions will assume only $605,000 of Smith's 2024 compensation, as the Browns have already paid $11.395 million, with no guaranteed money remaining after this season. Za'Darius Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler with five sacks this season, adds significant experience and talent to the Lions' defensive line, enhancing their Super Bowl aspirations. The trade reflects the Browns' focus on acquiring draft capital for future rebuilding efforts.