The Detroit Lions may have the opportunity to secure a three-time Pro Bowl standout for an affordable price, according to an NFL analyst.
With the NFL trade deadline on November 5, teams are running out of time to add or offload players. The Detroit Lions, in particular, could benefit from a strong defensive end to temporarily fill the gap left by Aidan Hutchinson, who will miss the rest of the season due to a broken tibia.
NFL expert Brad Berreman of SideLion Report believes one potential replacement “fits the Lions’ scheme well” without requiring a significant investment. While Hutchinson is irreplaceable, the Lions could use some support until he’s able to return.
Za’Darius Smith: A Possible Fit for the Lions
Cleveland Browns’ Za’Darius Smith has been mentioned as a suitable replacement for Hutchinson, and Berreman believes the fit is clear.
Smith’s name naturally comes up for the Lions, especially after Hutchinson’s season-ending injury,” Berreman wrote on October 22.
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 275 pounds, Smith is versatile and strong against both the pass and run,” Berreman noted. “With four sacks, three tackles for loss, and a top-50 grade among edge defenders this season, he brings 15 pressures and ranks No. 47 overall, according to Pro Football Focus.”
Additionally, Smith wouldn’t strain the Lions’ budget.
The Lions would only pick up a portion of his $1.21 million base salary for this year, and his $1.5 million salary next year isn’t guaranteed,” Berreman explained. “At age 32, Smith may not be part of a potential Browns rebuild, so moving him for draft picks could be appealing.”
In another SideLion Report piece on October 28, Berreman mentioned that the 2-6 Browns are likely “sellers” at the deadline, with Smith being one of their prime trade assets.
Smith Open to Joining Detroit
Smith has also expressed interest in joining the Lions.
Hutchinson’s loss is huge for them,” Smith said in an October 18 interview with The Chronicle. “But if I were to go to Detroit, I’d like it because I’d get to play Green Bay and Minnesota twice each year.”
A player eager to face off against the Packers and Vikings could be a strong addition to the Lions.
The Lions have various options to replace Hutchinson, each with distinct pros and cons. On Bleacher Report’s NFL Trade Block Big Board for Week 8, Kristopher Knox suggested New Orleans Saints’ defensive end Chase Young as another possible trade fit for Detroit.
The Lions would be a logical destination for any edge-rushers on the market, and they should definitely consider Young if he’s available,” Knox wrote.