The Detroit Lions have made a move to strengthen their defensive line by acquiring Za’Darius Smith in a trade with the Cleveland Browns. Smith, who had been a key player for the Browns over the past 1.5 seasons, was a top target for the Lions in recent rumors.

Now that the deal is finalized, we wanted to get a better understanding of what Detroit is getting in Smith.

To gain insight, we reached out to Jared Mueller from the SB Nation blog, Dawgs By Nature, for his perspective on Smith’s time in Cleveland and what he can bring to Detroit.

1. How much is Za’Darius Smith still capable of? Can he win consistently in one-on-one situations?

According to Mueller, Smith still has a lot to offer, though his age sometimes shows on the field. He compensates for that with his vast experience.

One key question, however, is how much of Smith’s success has come from playing alongside elite pass rusher Myles Garrett and defensive stalwart Danielle Hunter.

In Cleveland, Smith has rarely faced heavy attention from offensive linemen, as most of it has gone to Garrett.

Because of this, Smith has often had the flexibility to move around the line, finding favorable matchups.

When lined up against the second-best offensive lineman, Mueller believes Smith can still generate significant pressure.

2. How has Smith performed in run defense? Is he a good fit for the Lions’ needs?

Mueller sees Smith as a strong, physical presence in the run game.

At 6-foot-4 and 270 pounds, Smith is able to hold down the strongside defensive end position, setting the edge effectively.

He’s capable of taking on double teams and playing his role in a solid run defense. This is crucial for the Lions, who place a strong emphasis on stopping the run.

Mueller believes that Smith’s strength and size make him a valuable asset for Detroit in this area.

3. How much of Smith’s success in Cleveland was due to Myles Garrett’s presence? Can he produce on his own?

Mueller points out that while it’s hard to determine exactly how much of Smith’s production was due to Garrett drawing attention, it’s clear that Smith has had a notable impact even without being the focal point of opposing offensive lines.

Comparisons to Jadeveon Clowney, who struggled to produce opposite Garrett, show that Smith has been effective in his own right.

However, Mueller advises that Lions fans shouldn’t expect Smith to be a direct replacement for Aidan Hutchinson.

While Smith is a solid edge rusher and plays smart football, he might not be able to match Hutchinson’s elite level of production.

Still, Smith is expected to provide steady pressure on quarterbacks, even if it doesn’t always result in sacks.

4. What’s Smith’s character like? Is he a good fit in the locker room, and does he have the right mentality for a Dan Campbell-led team?

Mueller mentions that when Smith first arrived in Cleveland, there were rumors about his locker room behavior, but those concerns quickly faded.

In Cleveland, Smith earned respect for his energy, work ethic, and leadership.

He’s not a quiet presence; instead, he’s a vocal, energetic player who teammates enjoy being around.

This bodes well for the Lions, as Campbell values players with strong personalities and leadership qualities.

Mueller suggests that Smith’s energy and approach will mesh well with the Lions’ culture under Campbell.

5. What do you think about the terms of the trade?

Mueller sees the trade as fair, given Smith’s age and contract situation.

He points out that Smith wasn’t likely to return to Cleveland next season, and with the Browns out of playoff contention, it made sense for them to move on.

The trade includes a swap of picks in 2026 and a fifth-round pick in 2024, which Mueller views as a solid return for a player with only eight games left on his current contract.

For the Lions, it seems like a good value for a player who can help their defense immediately.

In summary, the Detroit Lions are getting a strong, experienced edge rusher in Za’Darius Smith.

While he may not be the star some expect, he brings leadership, strength, and a high football IQ, making him a solid addition to the Lions’ defense.