The Detroit Lions are hopeful that Aidan Hutchinson could return by the Super Bowl, but they need to address his absence sooner to maintain their competitiveness. Hutchinson, an All-Pro talent, was having a standout season before suffering a broken leg, and with the defensive line already struggling, his loss is significant.
To fill this gap, the Lions have identified an ideal, if somewhat underwhelming, replacement: Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns. Smith recently expressed interest in a trade to Detroit, citing the appeal of playing against his former teams, the Packers and Vikings, twice a year.
Though 32 years old and no longer at his peak, Smith could be a valuable addition if the price is right. He has recorded three sacks and ten pressures in six games this season, along with a decent PFF grade of 67.8. These stats make him a candidate worth considering.
Cleveland has indicated they are hesitant to trade Smith, a common tactic to raise the asking price for a player with 63 career sacks. The Lions might need to offer a couple of Day 3 draft picks to entice the Browns, who are currently struggling with a 1-5 record. However, with injury risks in mind, Cleveland should think carefully about holding onto him.
Adam Schefter reported that the Lions are actively exploring the market for defensive ends but have had limited success so far. The team’s financial situation, having re-signed several players, restricts their options for acquiring a new defensive end.
With the NFL trade deadline approaching in two weeks, the Lions should eventually find a viable option, especially for veterans like Smith, who may have a contract exit clause after this season. Detroit’s urgent need for defensive reinforcements makes this a critical time for the team.
