The Detroit Lions added some passing help at the trade deadline with the acquisition of defensive end Za’Darius Smith. Detroit general manager Brad Holmes gave up a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick.
By making this move, Detroit adds some much-needed firepower after the losses of Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport to season-ending injuries. Smith has five sacks in nine games with the Browns and will also bring a veteran presence to the young group of edge rushers.
Here’s a sample of the national media’s reaction to the Lions’ deal on trade deadline day.
Sports Illustrated
“If you’re Dan Campbell and your best passer goes down, the tired reaction would be to implore your general manager to scour the NFL for a high-ceiling player who can fill the void left by Aidan Hutchinson. Wired reaction would be to win a bunch of big games anyway, then trade for Za’Darius Smith, who has a clear motivation to destroy his two most recent former clubs before the Cleveland Browns, who happen to be two division rivals Detroit, the Packers said made him “feel like someone” after being injured He also wasn’t happy with his deal with the Minnesota Vikings, the team. saltiest in the NFL.
“A classic win-win deal, but not so much for the Cleveland Browns as for the acquiring team and the acquired player. Smith wasn’t going to contend for significant wins anytime soon in Cleveland, but his move to Detroit means a Super Bowl potential The Lions, meanwhile, get a proven passer to replace the injured Aidan Hutchinson at a reasonable price.
“It’s hard to imagine a better ‘vibe move’ than moving your company from the Cleveland Browns to the Lions. Smith enters Detroit as a much-needed savior, as the Lions’ pass rush has looked pretty toothless since the departure of star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson with a broken leg in Week 6. Smith’s best football is probably behind him – his 13.2% pressure rate this season is the lowest in three years – but he. is still powerful enough on the outside to beat the tackles average on clear runs. Of course, he has benefited from playing opposite Myles Garrett since joining the Browns in 2023. In Detroit, all the attention will be. turned towards him.
Joining a team with Super Bowl aspirations is fun, but escaping a Browns team surrounded by a years-long rebuild might be the better half of the deal. Smith had one year left on his contract and was a cut candidate after this season, so his days with the Browns were likely numbered. But with only $11 million unguaranteed in 2025, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Lions look to retain his services beyond this season, if he performs as they hope. He’s only 32 years old and can be a good rotational runner for the next few seasons, and if this season has taught Detroit’s defense anything, it’s the importance of passing depth.
The best part? This is a beautiful 2.5 hour drive along scenic Lake Erie. What an easy job! »
“The three-time Pro Bowler and owner of 65 career regular-season sacks goes from perhaps the league’s worst team, Cleveland, to perhaps its best, Detroit. Lions general manager Brad Holmes said separated from two Day 3 picks, but he really needed someone to try and replace the production of injured DE Aidan Hutchinson, if only partially. Currently the NFC’s projected No. 1 seed. , the Lions have just five sacks in three games since Hutchinson broke his leg — and just one in the last two weeks.
