The last day of transfers is underway! Lacking depth at the position following the injury of their star Aidan Hutchinson, the Detroit Lions will look for Za'Darius Smith (EDGE) in Cleveland. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Mediathe Ohio franchise receives from the Lions a 2025 fifth-round pick as well as a 2026 sixth-round pick. In the opposite direction, the pass rusher is accompanied by a 2026 seventh-round pick.
32-year-old Za'Darius Smith has five sacks in nine games this season for Cleveland. This was his second year with the Browns after playing for the Vikings, Packers and Ravens. He therefore joins an NFC North that he knows well thanks to his experiences in Minneapolis and Green Bay. Smith was a three-time Pro Bowler, he has already had 3 seasons with more than 10 sacks during his 10 seasons in the league. He also made 65 sacks in his career.
With Za'Darius Smith, the Lions armed to go all the way?
With a 7-1 record matching their best start to a campaign since 1956, the Detroit Lions are serious playoff contenders. The best team in the NFC so far, the Michigan franchise nevertheless needed reinforcement to reach the Superbowl for the first time in its history. Over the last two games, they have only made one sack (including none on Sunday against the Packers). A weakness which can prove problematic in a league resolutely oriented towards passing. The arrival of the experienced Smith comes at just the right time.
