The Detroit Lions might be looking for an edge rusher, and a veteran from a struggling team could be a logical trade target. While the gap between Aidan Hutchinson and the rest of the defensive lineup has decreased compared to last season, the absence of Marcus Davenport has left a noticeable void in the Lions’ pass rush. Whether or not Detroit decides to address this need through an outside acquisition remains uncertain as the trade deadline approaches in early November.
The Cleveland Browns, currently standing at 1-4, don’t seem likely to improve significantly while sticking with Deshaun Watson at quarterback. Given their situation, analyst Mike Tanier from Too Deep Zone has put the Browns on “Tank Watch.”
With the Browns likely to be sellers at the trade deadline, they may be willing to part with veteran players who are either costly or nearing the end of their contracts.
CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin suggested that the Lions target Browns’ veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith before the trade deadline.
Benjamin said, “If Cleveland wisely auctions off some of its more expensive vets, Smith could be a seamless partner for Aidan Hutchinson off the edge in Detroit. He’s already repped two other NFC North squads before.”
Smith, aged 32, has recorded three sacks this season and is ranked as a top-50 edge defender by Pro Football Focus (PFF) heading into Week 6. Although his overall pressure stats are modest, with nine pressures over five games, he made a significant impact with five pressures against Washington in Week 5. In the past two seasons, PFF has rated him among the top-20 edge rushers in the league.
Smith’s contract includes one more year after this season, but his $1.5 million base salary for 2025 is not guaranteed. If traded, the Browns would still handle the financial implications tied to the three void years and signing bonus proration after 2025.
If the Lions choose to make a moderate move to fill the gap left by Davenport, targeting Smith seems like a practical option. The likely trade cost—a draft pick—would be minimal, and the Browns may be willing to accept a low offer to offload the veteran.
