🚨 The Lions add Cleveland pass rusher Za’Darius Smith

Adam Hernandez

13 hours ago

The Lions have finally added a huge missing piece to their defensive line ahead of today’s NFL trade deadline.

According to Ian Rapoport, the Lions and Browns agreed to a deal sending Smith and a 2026 7th-rounder to Detroit for a 2025 5th-round pick and a 2026 6th-round pick.

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.

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
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 5, 2024

Additionally, according to Albert Breer, Cleveland originally wanted a fourth-round pick in exchange for Smith, however, it appears as if Brad Holmes’ patience paid off paying less than the Browns’ asking price.

Trade terms …

Lions get: DE Za’Darius Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick.

Browns get: 2025 fifth-round pick and 2026 sixth-round pick.

Cleveland wanted a fourth. Didn’t quite get there but close. Lions get their rusher with long-discussed deal complete.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) November 5, 2024

New #Lions acquisition Za'Darius Smith has five sacks on 27 pressures this season.

But just as importantly, he's played 34.3% of defensive snaps in run defense, an area where Detroit's front has quietly lacked in recent weeks.
— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) November 5, 2024

Za’Darius Smith among EDGE defenders since 2022:

🔹 18.9% pass rush win rate (6th)
🔹 16.1% pressure rate (6th)
🔹 90.2 pass rush grade (8th)

Your newest Detroit Lion 💪 https://t.co/0Xc7BsA1bs pic.twitter.com/lr2GESthrh
— PFF DET Lions (@PFF_Lions) November 5, 2024