Shit has been pretty tight-lipped in Allen Park ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline where it’s expected that the Lions make some kind of move for an edge rusher after a broken leg knocked Aidan Hutchinson out for the rest of the season. However, today Lions fans finally have something to chew on in terms of a possible move as we all anxiously wait for Tuesday afternoon to come around.
According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Lions have reportedly been doing their homework when it comes to checking around the League on the availability of edge rushers but it’s Cleveland’s Za’Darius Smith who the Lions hope to have in the fold come Tuesday’s deadline.
“It’s no secret Lions coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have been hunting for an edge rusher since losing Aidan Hutchinson to a season-ending injury,” Russini wrote. “(Hutchinson hasn’t played since Oct. 13 but is still third in the NFL in sacks.) The team has checked in with numerous teams around the league, including Cleveland with hopes of landing Za’Darius Smith.”
Smith isn’t the flashiest name on the market like his teammate Myles Garrett or Michigan native Maxx Crosby but the 32-year-old is probably going to be the most coveted possibility for any team looking to upgrade one of the most impactful positions. After a down season in 2023, Smith already has five sacks this season, just a half-sack shy of his total from last year. A three-time Pro Bowler with plenty of playoff experience which should bode well for the Lions who are looking to win a Super Bowl this season is also signed through next season so not only do you have the opportunity to pair him with Hutchinson next year forming what should be one of the most dangerous defensive lines in the NFL, but the lack of a long-term commitment contract wise should keep the cost to acquire him pretty low.