Exploring a dozen (mostly) realistic pass-rushing trade targets for the Detroit Lions
Allen Park — Hey, perhaps you've heard, but the Detroit Lions could use some edge-rushing help after losing starters Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport for the season.
It’s been a little more than a week since Hutchinson went down with a broken leg and the Lions have remained patient, even as trade activity has picked up around the league. That includes a couple deals made by this week’s opponent, the Tennessee Titans.
Many Lions fans have prayed for the team to acquire superstar to replace the one they lost. The most common players mentioned in that realm have been Las Vegas’ Maxx Crosby and Cleveland’s Myles Garrett. I get it. Those are two of the 10 best defensive players in the game. Who wouldn’t want them?
But even though the Lions have the cap space to absorb just about any contract, a move that involves sending out multiple early-round draft picks, likely first-rounders, hasn’t been general manager Brad Holmes’ MO. In fact, it’s essentially the opposite of his roster-building strategy.
And while I prefer to avoid absolutes — boldly declaring a move like that would never happen — we can, at the very least, classify it as unlikely.
But coach Dan Campbell has acknowledged the team is on the prowl for help. And while those words alone don't guarantee a trade will be made, continued problems generating edge pressure without Hutchinson should increase the urgency to swing a deal.
With that in mind, I spent the week studying stats, contracts and film of a dozen (mostly) realistic targets for Detroit.
Za'Darius Smith, Cleveland Browns
6-foot-4, 270 pounds, 32 years old
2024 stats: Seven starts, 247 snaps, 18 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 15 pressures, 21.5% pass-rush win rate
Remaining contract: Prorated $1.21 million in 2024 and $11 million in 2025 with a nearly $7 million option bonus.
A 10-year veteran, Smith offers a wealth of experience and continues to produce at a high level. He has a realistic shot at double-digit sacks for the fourth time in his career.
Smith is presumably available with the Browns already starting to fold on their season, shipping off wide receiver Amari Cooper to Buffalo last week. And Smith clearly isn’t resistant to a change of scenery when recently asked about the possibility of being traded to Detroit.
“Hate that injury happened to (Hutchinson), a guy that was on his way to get Defensive Player of the Year possibly. That’s a big loss for them," Smith said. “But if I was to go to Detroit, I would like it, because I get to play Green Bay twice a year and the Vikings twice a year. So, yeah, that’ll be big.”
Reportedly there’s a heavy market to acquire Smith’s services, with the Ravens and Commanders among the teams that have inquired. That could drive up the price tag, but even if it costs the Lions a fourth-round draft pick, it’s difficult to say it wouldn’t be worth it.
Plus, with Davenport’s contract expiring after this season, the extra year of control attached to Smith's contract is a nice option to have if he proves to be good fit.