CBS Sports: The Lions acquire an All-Pro Browns defensive end, in a blockbuster trade.
After making a blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Browns, the Detroit Lions are putting their all into the 2024 campaign. Za’Darius Smith, a talented edge rusher, was acquired by the Lions as draft compensation.
In exchange for Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick, the Lions gave the Browns a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick. After losing Aidan Hutchinson for the season, the Lions needed assistance with edge rush. In Week 6, Hutchinson broke both his tibia and fibula, which was a serious injury. After surgery right away, he would have a protracted recuperation period. Hutchinson’s 2024 season was essentially over when Lions head coach Dan Campbel announced that he would probably miss four to six months due to the injury. If the Lions make it to the Super Bowl, there is a slim chance that he will recover in time for the game.
The Lions now acquire Za’Darius Smith because they need a defensive edge that can disturb quarterbacks and help with pass rush. Smith has proven to be a reliable edge rusher and a seasoned defensive lineman who can contribute right away. Throughout his career, Smith was selected to the Pro Bowl three times: in 2019; 2020; and 2022. In 2020, he also made the second team All-Pro. Counting the half played in 2024, there have been ten NFL seasons. Smith has recorded 10 forced fumbles, 65 sacks, and 321 total tackles. Smith has already recorded five sacks and 23 total tackles in eight games.
As a member of the Green Bay Packers’ defense in 2019, Smith recorded an incredible 13.5 sacks, which was his finest season to date. In 2020, he had another outstanding season, recording 12.5 sacks and earning an All-Pro selection. Smith is a tremendous asset to the Lions’ already formidable squad. With a 7-1 record so far this season, they appear to be the NFC’s best team. In 2023, Detroit lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game, narrowly missing out on the Super Bowl.
The roles seem to have flipped now. The 49ers are fighting to hold the top spot in the NFC West, while the Lions are leading the NFC. The Lions have just made sure they can cause even more disruption to opposing teams, even if there is still a lot of football to play.
The Lions are once again a well-rounded squad now that Smith is on the defense.
