Detroit Lions trade for Browns DE Za’Darius Smith

The Detroit Lions are reportedly trading for Browns DE Za’Darius Smith.

After a couple weeks of rumors, hints, winks, and nudges, it’s finally happening. Per several reports, the Detroit Lions are trading for Cleveland Browns defensive end Za’Darius Smith. The trade terms are as follows:

Lions get:

• DE Za’Darius Smith
• 7th round pick in 2026

Browns get:

• 5th round pick in 2025
• 6th round pick in 2026

As for the finances of the move, if Detroit didn’t agree to eat any of the cap hit, it will be a very financially responsible move:

Smith should immediately jump to the top of Detroit’s depth chart, filling a big void left by Aidan Hutchinson’s serious injury from Week 6. Hutchinson was on his way to an All-Pro season, tallying 7.5 sacks through four-and-a-half games. Since his injury, Lions defensive linemen have combined for just a single sack through three games.

In nine games with the Browns, Smith produced 5.0 sacks and six tackles for loss. He’ll not only help out Detroit’s anemic pass rush, but he should give the Lions’ declining run defense a nice boost. Smith a strong, physical force who should fit exactly what Detroit is looking for in their defensive bookends.

It’s unclear how quickly the Lions can get Smith into the lineup, but a couple weeks ago, coach Dan Campbell did note that defensive ends could adapt quickly and get out there on the field without much prep.

“I think we’re going to find a way to get this guy in immediately,” Campbell said. “I was going to say some of the (defensive) terminology, well even if it’s limited, I think you’re trying to get that player going as fast as possible. But I don’t want to tell you, ‘Absolutely, they would walk right in.’ But I think that would be the idea.”

With Smith added to Detroit’s defense, and the hopeful return of Josh Paschal this week, the Lions defensive front could look a lot different—and hopefully a lot better—this Sunday night against the Houston Texans.