The Detroit Lions have acquired veteran defensive end Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns in an effort to bolster their pass rush for a potential Super Bowl run. Coming off a 24-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers, the team has been making strategic decisions ahead of the trade deadline. The Lions received Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick from the Browns in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick. The team currently holds a strong position at 7-1 in the NFC.
The Lions have been facing significant losses due to injuries, with star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson out for the season while Marcus Davenport, John Cominsky and Derrick Barnes are on injured reserve. Despite not playing since Week 6, Hutchinson still leads the team in sacks with 7.5. This places a great deal of expectation on Smith to fill in these gaps and maintain the team’s competitive edge.
Smith, 32, comes to the Detroit Lions with a consistent record as a strong player. Having started in every game this season for the Browns, he has scored five sacks and six tackles for loss. Throughout his career, Smith has achieved double-digit sacks three times, most recently with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022.
This isn’t Smith’s first time in the NFC North. Prior to his time with the Browns, he spent three seasons with the Packers and one season with the Vikings, leading to this moment as his third transition within the NFC North. As a veteran player with a strong track record, Smith brings considerable experience to the team and a proven ability to perform under pressure.
The acquisition of Smith has been a move long hinted at by the Lions’ administration. Head coach Dan Campbell has suggested that the team was looking to make a major deal to bolster their chances in the upcoming games. Given the team’s current standing and their recent win, it’s clear that they’re dedicated to optimizing their chances at a Super Bowl victory.
This decision signifies a strong strategic move from the Lions, who clearly recognize their current potential. By securing a veteran player like Smith, and not being afraid to make the necessary trades to do so, it’s clear that the team is confident about their standing and are ready to tackle their obstacles head on. With Smith now a part of the Lions’ defensive lineup, the upcoming games will show if this trade decision will be beneficial to their Super Bowl aspirations.
