Za’Darius Smith signed a two-year, $23 million contract with the Cleveland Browns in March. He has already recorded 3.0 sacks in six games this season and will play a pivotal role in his team’s success in the future.
However, whether that will be for the Browns or for the Detroit Lions remains to be seen. Following Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending injury, Smith’s name has been brought up as a potential trade candidate to pursue for the Lions.
Za’Darius Smith Speaks on Future With Browns
In a conversation with The Chronicle-Telegram on Thursday, Smith said he was not aware of the trade rumors about him. He mentioned his focus is on winning with the Browns; however, he would not mind going back to the NFC North and playing for the Lions.
“I didn’t even know about it,” Smith said. “I’m staying positive; hopefully we could get a win this week and get back on the right track.
“Hate that injury happened to him [Hutchinson], a guy that was on his way to get Defensive Player of the Year, possibly. That’s a big loss for them. 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.”
The Lions will likely trade for a pass rusher to fill Hutchinson’s absence, and Smith could fit perfectly on their team. He does not have a big contract, and the franchise will not be tied to him for the long term. Even if the move does not work out, they could easily part ways with him if necessary.
Before getting traded to the Browns in 2023, Smith played one season for the Vikings and three seasons with the Green Bay Packers. The three-time Pro Bowler is determined to hurt his old teams, and Detroit can give him that opportunity.
NFL Insider Discusses Lions’ Interest in Bengals Star
In a recent appearance on “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” NFL insider Dianna Russini discussed the Lions’ plan to address Hutchinson’s injury.
She said that Detroit could potentially call the Cincinnati Bengals to inquire about Trey Hendrickson’s availability. The Bengals star has one year left on his deal, but if Cincinnati continues to lose games, they might be tempted to trade him and get back some draft capital.
Hendrickson has five sacks in six games this season and recorded 17.5 last season. He is an elite pass rusher and can help the Lions fill the void Hutchinson left. The 29-year-old defensive end requested a trade from the Bengals in the offseason, as the franchise has not offered him an extension yet, and he could be moved before the trade deadline.
Russini mentioned that the Lions are unlikely to pursue Haason Reddick, who was permitted by the New York Jets to talk to other teams. Maxx Crosby’s name will continue to get linked with the Lions. However, the chances of him getting traded are much lower compared to Hendrickson and Smith.