What would it take for the Lions to pull off a trade for Cleveland Browns’ star defensive end, Za’Darius Smith? According to ESPN’s NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the price might not be as steep as one might think.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 275 pounds, Smith has the size and skill set that Detroit is after, especially with Aidan Hutchinson out of the lineup. He’s been delivering on the field too, racking up 5.0 sacks and earning a 70.0 PFF pass-rush grade. And it’s not just Detroit showing interest—Smith himself has hinted he’d be a great fit with the Lions, giving this potential trade some added heat.
The key question here is, what would it cost the Lions? Fowler’s sources suggest that the Browns aren’t eager to give up their core players but might be open if a fair offer comes through. A Day 3 draft pick might be all it takes, which would be a manageable price for Detroit if they’re serious about bolstering their defense.
The Lions are in a good spot to make this happen if they want to. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they have five Day 3 picks, including their original fourth- and fifth-round selections, a sixth-rounder from the Buccaneers, and two seventh-round picks. They’d also inherit Smith’s contract, which is surprisingly team-friendly. He’s earning just $1.21 million this season, with most of his 2025 earnings tied up in non-guaranteed bonuses. This keeps Detroit’s financial commitment low if they bring him in.
Detroit’s leadership, particularly GM Brad Holmes, has said they’re actively looking at trade options. Coach Dan Campbell, however, emphasized that they’re not feeling pressured and are carefully assessing if Smith is the right fit for now and the future. He mentioned that the team is also considering other ways to handle Hutchinson’s absence internally, making it clear that any decision will be a thoughtful one.
“We’re still looking at it,” Campbell said on Monday. “Yes, more pressure on defense would be great, but we’re taking our time and making sure we’re not making a rushed decision.”
If the Lions do decide to go for Smith, they’d be getting a player who’s shown he can make an impact. Whether this move happens or not, the buzz around Smith joining the Lions adds an exciting twist to Detroit’s season.
