The Za’Darius Smith to the Lions rumors were true
The Cleveland Browns kicked off NFL trade deadline day with a move that most expected. DE Za’Darius Smith had long been rumored to be on the trade block with a report Sunday that the Detroit Lions would acquire him by Monday.
Tuesday morning Smith posted a vague social media message before deleting it. DBN shared that the Browns were still looking for a fourth-round pick in exchange for Smith but had not been able to find it as of early Monday morning.
A couple of other players on Cleveland’s roster could still be moved as well but the Browns first move of the day sent Smith to the Lions, as expected:
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
Detroit had a need at defensive end before the Aidan Hutchinson injury and found it in the veteran Smith. A free agent this offseason, Smith signed what was announced as a two-year deal with the Browns but the veteran does not have any guaranteed money on his contract next year.
A player who gets more pressures than sacks, Smith’s one-and-a-half years in Cleveland ends with 10.5 sacks, 27 QB hits and 14 tackles for loss.