“Important” decision on Za’Darius Smith’s future made by Lions’ Dan Campbell following Browns trade

As the best NFC team thus far this season, the Detroit Lions were a major topic of conversation around the NFL trade deadline. After losing top defensive end Aidan Hutchinson for the season due to a leg injury, the Lions’ need for an additional pass rusher became even more apparent.

It took the Lions until the last possible day, but they were able to add some edge help. The Cleveland Browns and the Detroit Lions reached an agreement where the Browns sent the Lions edge rusher Za’Darius Smith and a seventh-round selection in exchange for two 2025 NFL Draft picks—a fifth-rounder and a sixth-rounder.

The transaction brings a productive edge rusher with a history of success to the Lions. The Detroit Free Press’s Dave Birkett reports that following the transaction that occurred midweek, Lions head coach Dan Campbell is taking his time to bring Smith to Detroit.

According to Birkett, Campbell stated, “I thought that was important.” “Let him do what he needs to do, refresh, and get back here Friday. He’s been in this league a while, and they were actually going on bye week when he got the call from us, so everything got done.”

In the wide open NFC, the Lions appear to be a major player.

© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Despite being considered potential NFC title contenders, some of these teams have had inconsistent seasons. Injuries and inconsistent play have plagued the 49ers in San Francisco, the Packers in Green Bay, and the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin were both gone.

Even though they suffered a horrific loss to Aidan Hutchinson’s leg midway through his Defensive Player of the Year-caliber season, the Lions have continued to perform admirably. As they keep cruising past opponents, Dan Campbell and company appear to be practically unbeatable right now.

The Lions have won their last six games, with the majority of those victories coming in spectacular fashion, dating back to their Week 2 setback to the Buccaneers. They traveled to Dallas in Week 6 and routed the Cowboys 47-9. A few of weeks down the road, they thrashed the Titans of Tennessee 52-14.

Week 9 was the Lions’ most spectacular performance to date. In an NFC North rivalry game at Lambeau Field, the Lions dominated for 60 minutes and defeated the Packers 24-14. The final score does not reflect how dominant the Lions were.

Right now, Campbell has this squad going full steam ahead. The Lions defense is playing excellent football and stopping big plays, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are tearing defenses apart, and Jared Goff would have a hard time throwing an incomplete pass even if he tried. Their current level of play makes them tough to beat, but expecting them to maintain it all season is a tall order.