TWENTYMAN: The Implications of the Smith Trade for Detroit Lions’ Defense

Assistance is imminent for Detroit’s pass rush and defensive line.

Before the 4 p.m. trade deadline, the Lions reached an agreement to acquire DL Za’Darius Smith in a trade with the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday, thereby bolstering their defense with a seasoned pass rusher.

In exchange for Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick, the Lions will provide the Browns with a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round selection.

Photographs of Za’Darius Smith

View photographs of Za’Darius Smith, a defensive lineman.

The Lions (7-1) are the most successful team in the NFC and have won six consecutive games. However, they have encountered difficulty in consistently applying pressure to opposing quarterbacks since DPOY candidate Aidan Hutchinson sustained a fractured leg in Dallas during Week 6. Additionally, the Lions have experienced a decline in their pass rush productivity as a result of the long-term injuries sustained by starting defensive end Marcus Davenport and SAM linebacker Derrick Barnes.

In Cleveland’s nine games this season, Smith, 32, has recorded five sacks and 20 quarterback pressures. Before spending the past two seasons in Cleveland, he has played for Baltimore, Green Bay, and Minnesota. He achieved double-digit takedown seasons in Minnesota (2022) and Green Bay (2019 and 2020).