Detroit Lions Acquire Za’Darius Smith from Cleveland Browns in Blockbuster Trade
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the Detroit Lions have officially acquired veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns, along with a 2026 seventh-round pick, in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick. This trade, first reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet), adds a proven pass rusher to a Lions defense that is looking to make a significant leap in 2025.
Za’Darius Smith’s arrival in Detroit is a monumental move for a team that has been quietly building a strong defense under head coach Dan Campbell. This trade not only strengthens the Lions’ pass rush but also solidifies their position as an up-and-coming team in the NFC North. Let’s dive deeper into what this trade means for both the Lions and the Browns, as well as the broader implications for the NFL.
For the Lions, this trade is an exciting one. Adding a player of Smith’s caliber to a defense that has already shown signs of improvement in recent seasons makes them much more dangerous. Za’Darius Smith is a highly accomplished pass rusher, with a career that has seen him dominate offensive lines and rack up impressive sack totals. He has spent time with both the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings, consistently being one of the most productive edge defenders in the league. In 2020, he was named a First-Team All-Pro after recording 13.5 sacks and forcing 4 fumbles.
Smith’s presence in Detroit is expected to immediately boost a defensive front that has been working to improve its pass rush. The Lions finished 2024 with a solid defense but lacked a consistent threat off the edge. Adding Smith provides that presence, alongside other defensive playmakers, and gives the Lions a potent defensive line that can apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks.
The trade is especially significant given Detroit’s need to keep pace with the high-flying offenses in the NFC. In a division that features potent offenses like those of the Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings, the Lions needed to add a player who can disrupt quarterbacks and create havoc in the backfield. With Smith, the Lions now have a proven pass rusher who can complement their existing defense and potentially elevate the unit to new heights.
On the flip side, the Cleveland Browns’ decision to trade Za’Darius Smith could signal a shift in their defensive strategy or a step back in their pursuit of immediate contention. While Smith is still highly effective, this move might suggest that the Browns are pivoting towards a long-term strategy or looking to open up cap space for other acquisitions.
The Browns are expected to receive a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick in return for Smith, which might seem like a low price for a player of his caliber. However, this trade could also be part of a broader plan to bolster their roster in other areas. Cleveland has invested heavily in several positions over the past few seasons, and this move could be a way to free up resources for future trades or to improve other parts of the team. Given the unpredictable nature of the NFL’s competitive balance, it’s also possible that the Browns are preparing to make more significant roster adjustments, and this trade helps facilitate that vision.
Moreover, the Browns may have simply felt that Smith, while talented, no longer fit perfectly into their long-term plans. NFL teams often make these types of decisions when they believe their current roster is not quite ready to contend for a championship, or when they see an opportunity to rebuild through the draft. The future draft picks they’ve received in return give them valuable assets to continue shaping their team in the coming years.
For both teams, the trade reflects the evolving nature of roster building in the modern NFL. Acquiring a player like Za’Darius Smith doesn’t come without a cost. While the Lions are sending away a fifth-round pick in 2025 and a sixth-round pick in 2026, these picks are relatively low-value assets compared to the impact that Smith could bring. In an age where draft capital is at a premium, the Lions are betting that adding a seasoned pass rusher is worth more than what they are sacrificing.
From the Browns’ perspective, moving on from Smith may seem like a loss of immediate impact talent, but the two draft picks they are receiving could help them fill gaps elsewhere. In a league that prioritizes flexibility and future potential, the Browns could be positioning themselves for a more sustainable future with younger, cheaper assets.
This trade also has significant implications for the NFC North division. With the Lions’ move to acquire Smith, they are showing that they are ready to compete at the highest level. The NFC North has been an unpredictable division in recent years, with teams like the Packers and Vikings often trading blows for supremacy. By acquiring Smith, the Lions make a statement to the division that they are not only a team to be reckoned with, but one that is ready to take the next step.
The addition of a seasoned edge rusher like Smith could prove pivotal in contests against divisional rivals like the Packers and Vikings, both of whom have strong offensive lines. Smith’s ability to disrupt the passing game and generate sacks will make it that much harder for opposing quarterbacks to execute their game plans effectively. Additionally, his leadership and experience are invaluable assets that will help mentor younger players on Detroit’s defense.
In the end, the Detroit Lions’ acquisition of Za’Darius Smith is a bold and strategic move that could have lasting implications for both the team and the NFC North. By adding a proven edge rusher, the Lions significantly improve their defense, giving them a greater chance to compete with the league’s elite teams. For the Browns, the decision to part ways with Smith may be part of a broader rebuilding strategy, but only time will tell if they can replace the production that Smith provided. Regardless, the trade represents a shift in the NFL’s dynamic and sets the stage for an exciting 2025 season.