Early on Tuesday morning, the Detroit Lions kicked off NFL trade deadline day by announcing the acquisition of defensive end Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns. Head coach Dan Campbell was on the radio during his weekly segment on 97.1 The Ticket when the news broke, but he only briefly mentioned one of the reporters who had shared the details.
Until a trade is finalized—when players pass physicals and all the necessary steps are completed—coaches and players have to tread carefully with what they say about incoming players. Lions quarterback Jared Goff, also on 97.1 The Ticket that morning, made sure to be cautious when discussing Smith.
Once the trade became official later that day, Campbell was able to fully discuss the addition of Smith when he spoke with Dan Miller, the Lions’ radio play-by-play announcer for FOX2 Detroit.
**Dan Campbell’s Early Thoughts on Za’Darius Smith**
Miller started the conversation by asking Campbell what Smith would bring to the team. “It’s good to get him here. He brings an element of toughness, a smart football player, can set an edge, can get an edge in rush, close the pocket down,” Campbell explained. “He’s just a really good complementary piece that I think is going to work well with our guys.”
When it came to integrating Smith into the team quickly, Miller wrote down a note and showed it to Campbell, which read: “See quarterback, hit quarterback.” Campbell responded with enthusiasm: “I like that. That’ll work. Yes, he does. He provides really a lot. I feel like this guy is a total defensive end, and certainly, he can get to the quarterback.”
The Lions reportedly began discussions with the Browns about a trade for Smith shortly after Aidan Hutchinson went down in Week 6. The team appeared to be patient, waiting for the Browns to explore other offers for pass-rush help before finalizing the deal early on trade deadline day.
Smith, who has accumulated five sacks, 27 pressures, and a solid 71.1 pass-rushing grade from PFF this season, should immediately bolster the Lions’ pass rush. This comes at a crucial time, as Detroit’s defensive line has struggled to generate pressure since Hutchinson’s injury, with just one sack from a defensive lineman and only five total sacks in the last three games.
