With the NFL trade deadline approaching on November 5, it’s crunch time for teams looking to make moves. The Detroit Lions are in need of a solid defensive end to fill the gap left by Aidan Hutchinson, who is out for the rest of the season with a broken tibia.
One potential replacement is Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns, who could be a great fit for the Aidan Hutchinsonwithout costing too much, according to Brad Berreman of SideLion Report. While no one can truly replace Hutchinson’s unique impact, the Lions need support on defense until he returns.
Smith, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 275 pounds, is described as versatile, excelling in both pass rushing and run defense. He has recorded four sacks this season and has been graded as a top-50 edge defender by Pro Football Focus.
Additionally, acquiring Smith wouldn’t break the bank, as his prorated base salary for this year is $1.21 million, and his $1.5 million salary for next year isn’t guaranteed. At 32 years old, he might not fit into a rebuilding plan for the Browns, making him an attractive trade asset.
Smith has also shown interest in joining the Lions, stating that he would enjoy playing against the Packers and Vikings twice a year, which could be a good motivational fit for the team.
While Smith is a strong option, the Lions have other potential candidates to consider, including New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young, who could also fit their needs as they search for Hutchinson’s replacement.