Are the Detroit Lions clear-cut NFC favorites after buying the pass-rush assist they desperately wanted?
On Tuesday, NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport tweeted that the Cleveland Browns dealt defensive finish Za’Darius Smith and a 2026 seventh-rounder to the Lions in trade for a 2025 fifth-rounder and a 2026 sixth-rounder.
In a 47-9 Week 6 highway win over the Dallas Cowboys, Lions star defensive finish Aidan Hutchinson fractured his tibia and fibula. The group just lately positioned him on injured reserve.
Hutchinson led Detroit in sacks (7.5 in 5 video games) earlier than his damage. No different Lion has greater than 2.5 via Detroit’s first eight video games. The Lions recorded no sacks in a 24-14 Week 9 highway victory over the Inexperienced Bay Packers.
Though Smith is 32, he stays a productive pass-rusher. By his first 9 video games with Cleveland, the three-time Professional Bowler registered 5 sacks, 27 pressures and 14 solo tackles by way of Pro Football Focus.
The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy additionally identified Smith fits the Lions’ defensive scheme.
“As a Tremendous Bowl contender, the Lions could not afford to face pat on the deadline,” wrote Pouncy. “Smith is a blueprint defensive finish for defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. He is constant and productive — two issues the Lions desperately wanted. They now have it.”
Smith might be a one-year rental for the Lions. The ten-year veteran is on a two-year, $23M deal, which incorporates an possibility this offseason.
The transfer might nonetheless be worthwhile if Smith solely performs for Detroit for one season.
Detroit (7-1) ranks first within the league in factors scored (32.3) and is tied for fifth in factors allowed (18.5). As of Tuesday, ESPN’s Football Power Index provides the Lions a 33.4 p.c probability to make Tremendous Bowl LIX, one of the best within the league.
The Lions have been a contender with out Smith. Nevertheless, he might make them even higher.
