Lions and Browns Reportedly Explore Trade for Za’Darius Smith
The Lions are in need of a defensive end, while the Browns are looking to reshape their roster by moving veterans and securing draft picks. A trade between the two teams could be in the works.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Lions and Browns are discussing a potential deal to send defensive end Za’Darius Smith from Cleveland to Detroit.
Injuries have hit the Lions’ defensive line hard, with star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson among the key players sidelined after suffering a broken leg, which derailed his bid for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Adding a defensive end like Smith could help Detroit as they pursue a Super Bowl run, making him a suitable target.
The 32-year-old Smith has started all eight games for the Browns this season, tallying five sacks. With a base salary of only $1.2 million, he would be an affordable addition for the Lions, who have ample salary cap space to take him on.