How much might the Detroit Lions need to offer for Browns DE Za’Darius Smith? NFL insider Jeremy Fowler has a suggestion.
Za’Darius Smith, the Cleveland Browns defensive end, is among the top trade targets for the Detroit Lions. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 275 pounds, Smith matches the physical profile of Aidan Hutchinson, while his performance remains strong (5.0 sacks, 70.0 PFF pass rush grade). Smith has also publicly stated that he believes he would fit well with the Lions.
The main question is what a trade for Smith would cost, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler shared his insights this week, based on his sources.
Though Cleveland won’t be looking to offload core players, they could engage if the right opportunities come along,” Fowler said on Wednesday. “From what I’m hearing, a decent Day 3 pick for Smith would likely be enough to make the deal happen.”
As of now, the Lions possess five Day 3 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. These include their original fourth- and fifth-round picks, a sixth-rounder from the Buccaneers from the Carlton Davis trade, and two seventh-rounders, one of which they received from the Cowboys in the Terrion Arnold trade (Detroit’s original sixth-round pick went to the Browns for Donovan Peoples-Jones).
This draft capital gives the Lions enough resources to pursue Smith, if they choose. Detroit would also need to handle Smith’s contract, but it’s manageable, with him making the league minimum ($1.21 million) this season. Most of his 2025 cost is in non-guaranteed roster bonuses, and his base salary next year is only $1.5 million.
The Lions have said they’re exploring trade options, and GM Brad Holmes is actively searching. However, head coach Dan Campbell emphasized they aren’t desperate and are considering their current roster as well.
We’re still discussing and working on it,” Campbell said Monday. “I’m not worried. There are other ways to create pressure. Sure, we’d like more, but we’re not in panic mode.”