The Detroit Lions are making a big move to strengthen their defense as they gear up for a potential playoff run. After losing their standout pass rusher, Aidan Hutchinson, to a season-ending injury, the Lions wasted little time in addressing the void by trading for veteran defensive end Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns.
According to a league source who spoke to UPI on Tuesday, the Lions will send the Browns a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft in exchange for Smith, as well as a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Smith, who has been a reliable presence on the defensive line for multiple NFL teams, brings an impressive resume to Detroit. Through nine games this season, the 32-year-old pass rusher has logged five sacks, 23 combined tackles, and six tackles for loss. His ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks and create havoc in the backfield is exactly what the Lions need as they prepare for the stretch run in the NFC North.
A Proven Pass Rusher with a Pro Bowl Pedigree
Za’Darius Smith is no stranger to elite-level play. A three-time Pro Bowler (2019, 2020, and 2022), Smith has consistently been one of the league’s top pass rushers, totaling at least 10 sacks in each of those Pro Bowl seasons. His experience and production give the Lions an immediate upgrade on the edge, allowing them to compensate for the loss of Hutchinson, who had been one of the key drivers of their defense.
Smith originally entered the league as a fourth-round pick for the Baltimore Ravens in 2015 and had a breakout year with the team in 2018. However, it was with the Green Bay Packers and later the Minnesota Vikings where he truly made a name for himself. He spent two seasons in Green Bay, where he recorded double-digit sacks and earned Pro Bowl honors. His 2022 season with the Vikings saw him rack up 10 sacks, further solidifying his status as one of the league’s top edge defenders.
This season, Smith was traded to the Browns, where he continued to be a force in the pass rush, adding another solid year to his impressive resume. Now, Detroit will look to tap into his wealth of experience to push their defense to the next level.
Filling the Gap Left by Hutchinson
Aidan Hutchinson’s loss to a season-ending injury left a significant hole in the Lions’ defense. The 2022 No. 2 overall pick had been playing at a high level this season, racking up **six sacks** through eight games. His ability to pressure the quarterback and set the tone up front was one of the main reasons Detroit’s defense had become one of the league’s more feared units.
With Hutchinson sidelined, Detroit’s front office recognized the need to bolster the pass rush to maintain their defensive identity. Enter Za’Darius Smith, who will bring immediate impact alongside rising stars like **James Houston** and **Charles Harris**. Smith’s leadership and ability to disrupt the backfield will be crucial for a Lions defense that needs to maintain pressure on opposing quarterbacks if they want to contend in the NFC playoffs.
A Big Test Ahead: Lions vs. Texans
The timing of the trade couldn’t be more perfect. The Lions (7-1) are sitting atop the NFC North and are poised to make a deep playoff run. They’ll face a tough challenge on Sunday when they travel to **Houston** to take on the Texans (6-3) in a primetime showdown at 8:20 p.m. EST.
The Texans have been one of the surprise teams of the 2024 season, led by rookie quarterback **C.J. Stroud** and an emerging defense. Houston’s offensive line has shown vulnerability this season, which could give Smith an early opportunity to make his mark in Detroit’s defensive scheme.
As the Lions push for their first NFC Championship appearance in years, Za’Darius Smith could provide the kind of game-changing play the team needs on defense. With his pass-rushing pedigree and ability to pressure quarterbacks, Smith has the potential to help Detroit stay competitive and dominant on defense as they head into the latter half of the season.
Final Thoughts
The Lions are clearly in win-now mode. At 7-1, they’re one of the top teams in the NFC, and with the injury to Aidan Hutchinson, they needed to make a move. The acquisition of Za’Darius Smith gives them a proven pass rusher with a championship mentality—someone who can contribute immediately and help carry this defense to the next level.
Detroit’s front office has been aggressive this season, adding talent across the board, and this trade for Smith is a clear indication that they’re all-in on making a playoff run in 2024. With the addition of Smith, the Lions’ defense just got a lot scarier—and they’ll need him to be at his best as they prepare for the Texans and the rest of the season.
