The Detroit Lions will acquire three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, multiple media outlets reported.
In addition to Smith, the Lions have a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, the Browns have a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and a sixth-round pick in 2026.
The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday at 4pm ET.
NFC North-leading Detroit (7-1), which has won six straight games, is looking to strengthen its pass rush to compensate for the loss of defensive end Aidan Hutchinson last month to a fractured tibia and fibula in his left leg. At the time of his injury, Hutchinson led the NFL with 7.5 sacks.
Smith, 32, has five sacks and 23 tackles in nine games (all starts) this season.
A Pro Bowl selection in 2019, 2020 and 2022, Smith played in 132 career games (89 starts) with the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings and Browns, totaling 65 sacks and 321 games. Recorded a tackle and 10 forced fumbles.
The AFC North basement-dwelling Browns (2-7) last month traded Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper and a 2025 NFL Draft sixth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills for a 2025 third-round pick and a 2025 third-round pick. He acquired a seventh-round pick. In 2026.
–Field level media
