The Lions have filled the biggest hole on their roster as they load up for a run at the Super Bowl.
Detroit has acquired veteran defensive end Za'Darius Smith from the Browns in exchange for a fifth-round pick next year and a sixth-round pick in 2026, per Ian Rapoport. The Lions will also get a 2026 seventh-round pick from Cleveland.
Smith is a three-time Pro Bowler who will help the Lions make up for the loss of Aidan Hutchinson, along with Marcus Davenport and Derrick Barnes, their three best pass-rushers on the edge. Detroit's defensive line has one sack in three games since Hutchinson fractured his leg against the Cowboys, though the Lions haven't stumbled, pushing their record to an NFC-best 7-1.
Smith is a few years removed from his prime, but still has five sacks and 27 quarterback pressures in nine games this season. He instantly becomes the Lions' most dynamic pass rusher. Without Hutchinson, they've relied mostly on interior defenders Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike to get after the quarterback up front. Smith gives them a proven threat on the outside.
The 32-year-old is signed through next season, which also fills a need for the Lions opposite Hutchinson once he returns. Smith will cost Detroit $5.5 million against the cap in 2025, per Spotrac.