Super Bowl contenders? Lions go big to trade Za’Darius Smith to make up for the loss of Aidan Hutchinson
Detroit Lions looks to create history in 2024 by filling the void left by the sidelined Aidan Hutchinson with Za’Darius Smith.
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Za'Darius Smith, Aidan Hutchinson (Images via X)
The Detroit Lions, eyeing a deep playoff run, have acted quickly to address a major defensive void by trading for Cleveland Browns defensive end Za’Darius Smith. Smith will aim to fill the void left after the injury sustained by star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson sidelined.
Hutchinson suffered a broken right tibia and fibula early in the third quarter of Detroit’s dominant 47–9 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6. Before his season-ending injury, Hutchinson led the NFL with 7.5 sacks. Alim McNeill ranks second on the Lions’ defense with 2.5 sacks, while no other Detroit player has recorded more than two sacks. The injury hurt the Lions’ SB chances, prompting the analysts and broadcasters to urge them to fill in the holes quickly.
According to Ian Rapoport, the Lions traded a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft in exchange for Smith and a seventh-round pick in 2026. The 32-year-old was drafted in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. Smith arrived at the Browns in 2023 via a trade from the Minnesota Vikings. He previously played for the Baltimore Ravens. The 32-year-old pass rusher signed a two-year deal with the Browns in March.
Sources: The #Browns are trading standout edge Za'Darius Smith to the #Lions, who add a key presence on the edge to help make up for the loss of Aidan Hutchinson.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 5, 2024
It’s Smith and a 2026 7th going to Detroit for a 2025 5th and a 2026 6th. A major move. pic.twitter.com/gtCs86rL97
Smith recorded five sacks across nine games this season for the Browns, adding 23 total tackles, including six tackles for loss. The 10-year veteran was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2019, 2020, and 2022, achieving at least 10 sacks in each of those seasons. Za’Darius Smith trailed only reigning DPOY Myles Garett in terms of sacks for the Browns. They are not in an ideal position with yet another veteran leaving the team, the first being Amari Cooper trading to the Bills.
Detroit Lions HC Dan Campbell confirms confidence in GM Brad Holmes
As news of Za’Darius Smith’s trade to Detroit emerged, Lions coach Dan Campbell was appearing on his weekly segment on 97.1 The Ticket. During his time on air, Campbell was unable to officially confirm the trade due to its pending status. However, he took the opportunity to express his confidence in general manager Brad Holmes.
Campbell emphasized his trust in Holmes’s approach to strengthening the Lions roster for the season.
Man, I trust him. He knows what he’s doing and if it works out, great. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. But it’s like the thought of giving away high capital for a player none of us are going to like, that just doesn’t sit well with any of us. So, if it makes sense, it makes sense. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t, but what we’ve got here we’ll win with.
Dan Campbell told the reporters
Dan Campbell, who’s winning hearts with his animated and energetic approach, didn’t end up parting with any of his current team. The Lions managed to keep the receivables short and crisp as well. Although many speculated a Za’Darius trade in the offseason, a fifth-round pick being the return was surprising.
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Mohammed Bazim
(406 Articles Published)