With star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a fractured leg, the Detroit Lions are in urgent need of a boost for their pass rush.

At the time of his injury, Hutchinson led the NFL with 7.5 sacks, 45 pressures, 29 hurries, and eight quarterback hits.

His absence leaves the Lions’ front seven significantly weakened.

A combined effort from six Detroit players—Alim McNeil, Levi Onwuzurike, D.J. Reader, Malcolm Rodriguez, Trevor Nowaske, and Marcus Davenport—has only matched Hutchinson’s individual sack total, highlighting the need for improvement.

In light of this, CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin has suggested a trade that could bring Za’Darius Smith, a defensive end from the Cleveland Browns, to Detroit as a replacement for Hutchinson.

The Browns, currently struggling with a 1-5 record, have several valuable defensive assets and may be inclined to part with players like Smith.

“Given their situation, the Browns could become sellers, while Detroit has a strong incentive to acquire an edge rusher, especially with Hutchinson out for an extended period,” Benjamin noted.

Smith, who has experience in the NFC North with both the Packers and Vikings, is 32 and more suited to a rotational role.

However, his addition would still represent a significant upgrade for a Lions unit that needs depth, especially as they aim for another shot at the NFC title.

In six games this season, Smith has recorded 10 pressures, seven hurries, three sacks, and two tackles for loss.

Although his role with the Browns has diminished this year, his presence could provide the Lions with a credible edge-rushing threat.

Over the past two seasons, Smith has been an elite pass rusher, amassing a total of 141 pressures, 95 hurries, 30 quarterback hits, and 15.5 sacks while playing for the Browns and Vikings.

If James Houston can recapture the form that saw him achieve eight sacks and 17 pressures as a rookie in 2022, he could form an effective tandem with Smith if the Lions complete this acquisition.