Could Za'Darius Smith be on his way back to the NFC North?
Smith is in the middle of his second season with the Cleveland Browns. The former Vikings pass rusher is currently 32 years old but he has three sacks and 16 total tackles through six games this season.
The Browns are currently 1-5 and Smith has been mentioned as a potential trade candidate for the Detroit Lions, who are looking for a replacement for Aidan Hutchinson. According to a recent story from the Chronicle-Telegram, Smith was asked about a potential move.
“Hate that injury happened to him, a guy that was on his way to get Defensive Player of the Year possibly. That’s a big loss for them,” he said. “But if I was to go to Detroit, I would like it, because I get to play Green Bay twice a year and the Vikings twice a year. So, yeah, that’ll be big.”
Smith signed a three-year, $42 million free-agent contract with the Vikings, but only lasted one season in Minnesota. Cleveland traded two fifth-round picks in exchange for Smith, a 2025 sixth-round pick and a 2025 seventh-round pick after he recorded 10 sacks in his lone season with the Vikings.
From 2019-20, Smith recorded 26 total sacks with the Packers. Two different NFC North teams have moved on from him and he seems interested in seeking some revenge.
“You know what, that’s not my decision. That’s all upstairs,” Smith said. “I would rather you ask them to see what that would be.”
The Vikings will get a chance to face the Lions this week, but Smith will not be on the sidelines for either team. The NFL Trade Deadline is just over two weeks away on Nov. 5. Following whether or not division-rival Detroit makes a move for a pass rusher will be worth following.
Za'Darius Smith's History
Smith was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons with the Ravens before signing with the Green Bay Packers in 2019. He had his best two seasons in Green Bay, earning Pro Bowl nods in 2019 and 2020. In 2021, he played in just one game due to a back injury.
Smith was released by the Packers in 2021 and signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022. He had a strong season with the Vikings, recording 10 sacks and earning a Pro Bowl selection. Smith was traded to the Browns in 2023 and is currently in his second season with the team.
The Detroit Lions Need at Pass Rusher
The Detroit Lions have a strong defense, but they are currently without star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson due to a season-ending injury. Hutchinson was having a breakout season, leading the Lions in sacks. The Lions have already been looking for ways to replace his production.
The Lions are likely to be in the market for a pass rusher at the trade deadline. Smith would be a good fit for their scheme, as he is a strong edge rusher with a history of success in the NFC North. However, it is unclear if the Browns are willing to trade him.
The Cleveland Browns Situation
The Browns are in a difficult position. They are currently 1-5 and seem to be heading towards another rebuilding year. They may be willing to trade some of their players in order to get younger and retool their roster. However, the team’s struggles don’t seem to be based entirely on Smith’s performance. Smith is still a valuable asset to the team, but the Browns may be open to a trade if they are willing to move on from some of their players.
The Potential of the Trade
The Browns and Lions may be able to work out a trade for Smith. The Browns would likely be willing to trade him for a mid-round draft pick or a young player. The Lions would likely be willing to give up that kind of compensation for a player of Smith’s caliber. Whether the Browns and Lions can work out a deal will depend on the teams’ priorities and what they’re willing to give up.
Smith's Perspective
Smith has been open about his interest in playing for the Lions. He is aware that the Browns are in a rebuilding phase and he has expressed his frustration with the team’s struggles. He has also made it clear that he would like to play for a team that has a chance to win a championship. The Lions would be a good fit for Smith, and he is likely to push for a trade to the team if given the opportunity.
The Trade Deadline
The NFL Trade Deadline is on November 5th. It will be interesting to see if the Lions make a move for Smith or if the Browns will be willing to trade him. If the Browns are willing to trade him, Smith could be a valuable asset for the Lions. The team’s need for a pass rusher is real, and Smith would be a perfect fit for their scheme.
Will the Lions Make a Move?
It is unclear if the Lions will make a move for Smith. They have a good defense, but they need more pass rush. Smith would be a great addition, but he is not the only option available. The Lions are likely to explore all of their options before the trade deadline and decide which one is best for the team.
Za'Darius Smith's Revenge
Smith seems eager to play against his former teams. He would have the chance to do that twice a year if he were traded to the Lions. The NFC North is a competitive division and Smith would be a valuable asset for any team that wants to compete for a championship. It is unclear if the Lions are willing to make a trade for Smith, but if they do, Smith would be a key piece for the team’s defense.
