As the Detroit Lions look to add an edge rusher, a potential trade target seems to be signaling interest in joining them.
By Brad Berreman
The Detroit Lions are actively searching for an edge rusher, making it only a question of when a trade will occur and who the addition might be. Big-name, high-cost options are mostly off the table, if they were ever considered.
One target is Cleveland Browns edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, who the Lions reportedly inquired about. The 32-year-old could be a fit for Detroit, and when rumors first linked him to the Lions, Smith responded to the idea.
It’s tough that he got injured, as he was possibly on track for Defensive Player of the Year,” Smith said about Aidan Hutchinson. “That’s a big loss for them. But if I joined Detroit, I’d be excited to play against Green Bay and the Vikings twice a year. That would be huge.”
Za’Darius Smith seems to be trying to grab the Lions’ attention
Smith ranks among Pro Football Focus’ top 40 edge defenders (currently No. 37 near the end of Week 8), with five sacks this season, one in each of his last two games.
Since expressing openness to a trade to the Lions, Smith has recorded 14 quarterback pressures over the past two games (PFF data). Against his former team, the Ravens, he had a season-high nine pressures and nine hurries. Coincidence? Perhaps, but The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy noted the irony of Smith’s recent surge in quarterback pressure.
At 2-6, the Browns are likely sellers as the trade deadline approaches, with Smith among their best assets. Though publicly open to joining Detroit, Smith has not shown any desperation to leave Cleveland, as expected.
While professional athletes are usually self-motivated, Smith’s recent uptick could be a signal to edge rusher-seeking teams, just over a week before the deadline. The Lions remain in the mix, possibly at the top of Smith’s preferred destinations if he is moved.