Pro Bowl defensive end intrigued by idea of ​​trade with Lions

Za’Darius Smith has been so focused on helping the Cleveland Browns end their four-game skid that he hasn’t paid attention to the trade rumors involving him. However, when he heard of a rumor that would send him to the Detroit Lions, his interest was piqued.

As the Lions explore options to add a defensive end after Aidan Hutchinson broke both his tibia and fibula, Smith’s name has surfaced in several reports as a potential trade target for Detroit.

“I didn’t even know about it,” Smith told The Chronicle-Telegram on Thursday.

The three-time Pro Bowler, who is a few seasons removed from a 10-sack season, would certainly provide a boost to the Lions’ defensive line as they look to return to the NFC title game and punch a ticket to their first Super Bowl. .

While the Lions have not yet ruled Hutchinson out for the season, the recovery time for his injury is four to six months. If the Lions were to make the Super Bowl, which is in February, there’s a chance the third-year defensive end could return and possibly play alongside Smith if Detroit acquires him.

“I hate that an injury happened to him, a guy who was on his way to possibly becoming Defensive Player of the Year,” Smith said of Hutchinson. “That’s a big loss for them.

“But if I went 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 will be big.

Smith, who entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick of the Ravens in 2015, had stints with the Packers and Vikings after leaving Baltimore.

In 2019, Smith signed a four-year, $66 million deal with the Green Bay Packers, where he earned his first two Pro Bowl selections and second-team All-Pro honors.

He then signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, where he earned his final Pro Bowl selection.

Based on his comments, the prospect of Smith joining the Lions could be seen as a revenge tour for the 32-year-old. While he knows the possibility of joining Detroit is out of his control, it is now a thought on his mind.

“I’m staying positive, but now that you mention that, it could be a good look and a good feel for me,” Smith said.

Through six games this season, Smith has recorded 16 total tackles and three sacks.

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