We’re monitoring the Detroit Lions trade rumors ahead of the deadline on Tuesday

Since the Detroit Lions lost star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson to a season-ending injury in Week 6, general manager Brad Holmes has been looking for another edge rusher on the trade market.

The Lions were able to survive the first two games without Hutchinson, but there was a noticeable dip in the pass rush in Week 8 against the Tennessee Titans, which only underscored the team’s need to add extra help. If the Lions want to put themselves in the best possible position to achieve their goals of reaching and winning a Super Bowl, help is needed.

Head coach Dan Campbell has made it clear that the team is at least considering a trade for an edge rusher, but the clock is ticking on Detroit’s ability to do so as the NFL trade deadline falls on Tuesday, November 5 at 4:00 PM. AND.

“We’re open to anything, Brad is working through it. We won’t be in a rush. Brad would tell you he’s doing his homework, the crew is doing their homework, they’re looking at everything,” Campbell said.

“But we’re not just going to take a step to get it, it has to be good. It has to be the right person and the pieces have to fall into place,” he added.

With the deadline just days away, we’re following all the latest rumors surrounding the Lions’ pursuit of an edge rusher. The most recent rumors will be posted at the top of the section below.

Detroit Lions exchange rumors

We start our tracker with ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who reports that the Lions are indeed calling to inquire about edge rushers, and one of their targets is Cleveland Browns veteran Za’Darius Smith.

“The Lions continue to make calls about pass rushers and have spoken to the Browns about former Pro Bowl defensive back Za’Darius Smith, who sources say has already played in the NFC North for both the Packers and Vikings,” Schefter wrote.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport echoes Schefter’s report about the Lions showing interest in Smith, but notes that the Browns trading him isn’t a given.

“The Browns continue to receive calls from pass rusher Za’Darius Smith, who has five sacks on the season and has drawn interest from several teams, including the Lions,” Rapoport wrote. But it’s not a given that they trade the 32-year-old veteran. The Browns could decide to keep him and his $1.21 million base salary (the remainder of his salary was previously paid out as part of a restructuring). There are other veterans in Cleveland who have also expressed interest.”

Smith is one of the most popular names mentioned among realistic options for the Lions. The three-time Pro Bowler has collected double-digit sacks three times during his career, and after a down year in 2023, he has bounced back with five sacks in eight games, which is half a sack shy of what he totaled last season. .

Smith, who has already expressed interest in joining the Lions, would be a phenomenal addition to Detroit.