Are the Detroit Lions clear-cut NFC favorites after acquiring the pass-rush help they desperately needed?
On Tuesday, NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport tweeted that the Cleveland Browns dealt defensive end Za’Darius Smith and a 2026 seventh-rounder to the Lions in exchange for a 2025 fifth-rounder and a 2026 sixth-rounder.
In a 47-9 Week 6 road win over the Dallas Cowboys, Lions star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson fractured his tibia and fibula. The team recently placed him on injured reserve.
Hutchinson led Detroit in sacks (7.5 in five games) before his injury. No other Lion has more than 2.5 through Detroit’s first eight games. The Lions recorded no sacks in a 24-14 Week 9 road victory over the Green Bay Packers.
Although Smith is 32, he remains a productive pass-rusher. Through his first nine games with Cleveland, the three-time Pro Bowler registered five sacks, 27 pressures and 14 solo tackles via Pro Football Focus.
The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy also pointed out Smith suits the Lions’ defensive scheme.
“As a Super Bowl contender, the Lions couldn’t afford to stand pat at the deadline,” wrote Pouncy. “Smith is a blueprint defensive end for defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. He’s consistent and productive — two things the Lions desperately needed. They now have it.”
Smith could be a one-year rental for the Lions. The 10-year veteran is on a two-year, $23M deal, which includes an option this offseason.
The move could still be worthwhile if Smith only plays for Detroit for one season.
Detroit (7-1) ranks first in the league in points scored (32.3) and is tied for fifth in points allowed (18.5). As of Tuesday, ESPN’s Football Power Index gives the Lions a 33.4 percent chance to make Super Bowl LIX, the best in the league.
The Lions were a contender without Smith. However, he could make them even better.