The Lions Finally Acquire Pass Rushing Help (Trade Grade)
When it comes to making trades, sometimes the deal is just obvious to make. Even when the trade gets revealed, it still gets exciting when it gets done right at the trade deadline. Well, after much speculation, the Lions officially acquired DE/EDGE Za'Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns via trade. The details of the trade are down below.
Trade Details for Za'Darius Smith
Detroit Lions Acquire: DE/EDGE Za'Darius Smith and 2026 7th round Pick
Cleveland Browns Acquire: 2025 5th Round Pick and 2026 6th Round Pick
Detroit Lions Side
The Lions' pass rush hasn't been great since DE/EDGE Aidan Hutchinson went down with a brutal leg injury. They needed another pass rusher badly, and have often been linked to Za'Darius Smith. Smith may not be in his prime, but he has still had a solid season with Cleveland. He also held up well against the run. The Lions are not giving much up, and he's a nice short-term replacement for them.
Cleveland Browns Side
Za'Darius Smith's name has been on the trading block for the past few weeks now. The Browns waived the white flag on the season the moment Deshaun Watson went down with a torn Achilles, injury. The Browns need to be focused on the future, and the 32-year-old Smith won't be a part of their plans. Getting a 5th-round pick and a 2026 pick upgrade for Smith is a nice value.
Grades For Za'Darius Smith's Trade
Detroit Lions - A
Cleveland Browns - A
Love this trade for both sides and it's hard to give a higher grade. So, both teams get the same grade, an A. Lions win by getting a replacement for Aidan Hutchinson in the short term, and the Browns get a pick to help with their rebuild. Well done to both organizations and hopefully, everyone benefits from this deal.