NFL trade deadline rumors have including Za’Darius Smith to the Lions
As the Cleveland Browns are getting beat by the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 9, down by 17 points late in the second quarter, an NFL trade deadline rumor got stronger. With the Browns dealing away WR Amari Cooper earlier this season and struggling with a 2-6 record, a trade of DE Za’Darius Smith has been expected.
Sunday morning, both ESPN and The NFL Network reported that the Detroit Lions were looking to make a deal for Smith. The Lions lost star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson to injury recently and are hoping to make the Super Bowl. Myles Garrett is highly unlikely despite rumors but Smith is available if Cleveland is out of the playoff race.
Before Browns versus Chargers even hit overtime, a report came out that Smith heading to Detroit is expected to happen:
Yes, the Lions and Browns have discussed a potential trade for defensive end Za’Darius Smith. At this point, the expectation is that it’ll be more than talk.
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the current expectation is that Smith will be traded to Detroit tonight or tomorrow.
The timing is interesting with Cleveland down big against Los Angeles. Smith remained in the game and contributed to a sack late in the second quarter.
The NFL trade deadline hits Tuesday afternoon. If the Browns can’t make a big comeback against the Chargers, trading Smith makes sense.
What do you make of this report coming out while the Browns are playing the Chargers?