Browns trade DE Za'Darius Smith to Lions needing help with pass rush after Aidan Hutchinson's injury
With their season in shambles, the Browns began looking toward the future and traded defensive end Za'Darius Smith to Detroit for a pair of draft picks
By TOM WITHERS
Published - Nov 05, 2024, 03:07 PM ET
Last Updated - Dec 16, 2024, 05:40 PM EST
CLEVELAND (AP) — Za'Darius Smith re-signed with Cleveland to chase a Super Bowl title, never imagining he'd take a detour through Detroit.
With their season in shambles, the Browns agreed to trade the experienced edge rusher on Tuesday to the NFC North-leading Lions, who needed to bolster their pass rush following star Aidan Hutchinson's leg injury.
Cleveland sent Smith and a seventh-round pick in 2026 to the Lions in exchange for a fifth-round pick in 2025 and a sixth-round pick in 2026.
Both teams announced the deal, which will become official once Smith passes a physical. Detroit welcomed the three-time Pro Bowler on their X account.
