The Detroit Lions are actively seeking to replace their injured star edge rusher, Aidan Hutchinson, and have reportedly contacted a struggling AFC North team about a three-time Pro Bowl player. On Saturday, Nov. 2, Dianna Russini reported that the Lions have reached out to the Cleveland Browns regarding defensive end and pass-rush specialist Za’Darius Smith.

“Lions coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have been on the hunt for an edge rusher since Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending injury. Although Hutchinson has been sidelined since Oct. 13, he still ranks third in the NFL in sacks,” Russini shared on X. “Detroit has explored various options with several teams, including Cleveland, with hopes of acquiring Za’Darius Smith.”

The Lions struggled to pressure the quarterback in their recent game against the Tennessee Titans, yet still achieved a decisive 52-14 victory.

Campbell acknowledged the limited pressure (Detroit recorded just 1 sack) and emphasized the need to enhance their edge rush ahead of the Nov. 5 trade deadline. “We’re aware of the deadline. We’re working through it,” Campbell said. “There are other ways to create pressure, and while we’d like to see more, we’re not in panic mode.”

Smith has recorded 81 tackles for loss and 65 sacks in his 10-year career across 131 regular season games, according to Pro Football Reference. In the 2024 season, he has tallied 5 sacks and 5 tackles for loss in eight games.