Detroit Lions trade for Browns DE Za'Darius Smith

After a few weeks of rumors, hints, winks and nudges, the time has finally come. The Detroit Lions are trading defensive end Za'Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns, according to multiple reports. The trading conditions are as follows:

Lions receive:

• 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 wasn't willing to take on the cap, it would be a very financially responsible move:

Smith should immediately jump to the top of Detroit's rankings and fill a large void left by Aidan Hutchinson's serious injury in Week 6. Hutchinson was on his way to an All-Pro season, recording 7.5 sacks in four and a half games. Since his injury, the Lions' defensive linemen have recorded just a single sack in three games.

In nine games with the Browns, Smith recorded 5.0 sacks and six tackles for a loss. Not only will he help Detroit's anemic pass rush, but he should also provide a major boost to the Lions' flagging run defense. Smith is a strong, physical force who should fit exactly what Detroit is looking for in its defensive bookends.

It's unclear how quickly the Lions can get Smith into the lineup, but a few weeks ago coach Dan Campbell noted that the defensive ends could adapt quickly and get on the field without much preparation.

“I think we’ll find a way to get this guy in right away,” Campbell said. “I wanted to mention some of the (defensive) terminology. Even if they are limited, I think you try to get this player up to speed as quickly 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 bolstering Detroit's defense and Josh Paschal's hopeful return this week, the Lions' defensive front could look a lot different – and hopefully a lot better – this Sunday night against the Houston Texans.