The Detroit Lions are heading into Week 9 as the top team in the NFC with a stellar 6-1 record. Their upcoming game against the Green Bay Packers could be pivotal, giving Detroit a chance to increase their lead in the NFC North. The Lions have been dominant this season, boasting one of the most balanced and talented rosters. However, the loss of Aidan Hutchinson to a serious leg injury has left a void in their pass rush, as he was on pace for a career-best season with 7.5 sacks before his injury in Week 6. Hutchinson’s recovery timeline suggests he won’t be back unless the Lions make a deep playoff run.
With Detroit eyeing a potential Super Bowl push, Doug Farrar of AS proposed a trade that could bolster the Lions’ defense: acquiring pass rusher Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns. At 2-6, the Browns might be open to dealing Smith, who would bring immediate impact to Detroit’s front seven. Smith’s experience and pass-rushing prowess could help the Lions maintain defensive pressure, especially in Hutchinson’s absence, making them an even stronger contender as they aim for a postseason run.
Detroit’s defense, under coordinator Aaron Glenn, has been aggressive in Hutchinson’s absence, leading the league with a 46.1% blitz rate on opponent dropbacks over the last two games. While blitzing at this rate helps compensate for a weakened pass rush, it also exposes the secondary to coverage challenges. In his analysis, Doug Farrar notes that Za’Darius Smith could be the solution. Smith’s skill set would allow the Lions to generate pressure with four or five rushers, reducing the need for blitzes and thus bolstering the Lions’ coverage profile.
Smith’s contract—$23 million over two years—makes him a feasible trade option for the Lions, who have $27.4 million in cap space this season. Farrar suggests the Lions might only need to part with a Day 3 draft pick to acquire him, which is a low cost for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. From Cleveland’s perspective, the trade would bring draft capital as they contemplate a rebuild potentially centered around a rookie quarterback in 2025, given the uncertainty surrounding Deshaun Watson’s future.
Smith has already logged 22 tackles and five sacks through eight games this season. Additionally, he has expressed openness to returning to the NFC North, making this trade potentially beneficial for both sides. The Lions would gain a proven pass rusher, and Smith would join a strong contender, helping Detroit gear up for a deep playoff run.