The Detroit Lions enter Week 9 with the best record in the NFC at 6-1. They are set to take on the Green Bay Packers on Sunday in a matchup that could help Detroit gain an advantage over their NFC North rivals early in the divisional race.

Detroit has one of the strongest rosters in the NFL, but they will be missing a key player as standout pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson injured his tibia and fibula in Week 6. Before his surgery, the third-year defensive end recorded 7.5 sacks and is expected to be sidelined until at least the Super Bowl—if the Lions make it that far.

AS writer Doug Farrar suggests a trade that could boost the Lions’ playoff prospects, allowing Hutchinson to return in February. Farrar proposes that Detroit acquire Za’Darius Smith from the struggling 2-6 Cleveland Browns.

“Detroit, under defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, has ramped up their blitz rate (a league-high 46.1% of opponent dropbacks in Weeks 7-8), but relying on this strategy too heavily affects coverage,” Farrar pointed out. “Smith would be a perfect addition, as his skill set allows for effective four- and five-man rushes, easing the pressure on cornerbacks and safeties.”

The Browns signed Smith to a two-year, $23 million deal in March. At 32, his salary makes him a feasible trade target, and the Lions’ $27.4 million in cap space this season, per Over the Cap, provides them with the flexibility to improve.

To acquire Smith, the Lions would likely need to offer a Day 3 draft pick—a minor investment for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. The Browns could benefit from a valuable pick as they look to move on from the Deshaun Watson era, potentially building around a rookie quarterback in the 2025 draft class.