For weeks, the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions have been rumored to be ideal trade partners. The Browns entered Week 9 with only two wins, while the Lions are leading the NFC North but recently lost their star pass rusher, Aidan Hutchinson, to a broken tibia and fibula, keeping him out until at least February.
There was uncertainty about the Browns’ approach to the trade deadline after their Week 8 win over the Baltimore Ravens with Jameis Winston starting at quarterback. However, with the Los Angeles Chargers taking a 20-3 lead over the Browns at halftime on Sunday, the Lions are reportedly moving forward with a trade for Za’Darius Smith, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
“Yes, the Lions and Browns have discussed a potential trade for defensive end Za’Darius Smith,” Florio reported. “At this point, the expectation is that it’ll be more than talk. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Smith is expected to be traded to Detroit tonight or tomorrow.” Earlier in the season, Smith indicated he’d be open to a trade to Detroit. The All-Pro pass rusher currently has five sacks on the season.
Smith’s addition would bolster a Lions defense that’s relied heavily on blitzing since Hutchinson’s injury. Hutchinson had recorded 7.5 sacks before going down.
Smith, who has previously played in the NFC North for the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, has a total of 65 sacks in his NFL career.
