• After Aidan Hutchinson suffered a season-ending injury in Week 6, the Detroit Lions quickly moved to address the void in their defense. As the NFL trade deadline approached, the Lions made a bold move, acquiring pass rusher Za’Darius Smith and a 2026 seventh-round draft pick from the Cleveland Browns. In return, the Browns received a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick.
• Browns star Myles Garrett later shared his reaction to the trade, offering insight into Smith’s feelings about the move.

“I’ve never seen a man so happy to join a new team,” Garrett said during a media session. “He was grinning from ear to ear on TV. It’s great to see him feeling positive and energized.”

Smith’s excitement is understandable. He’s transitioning from a Browns team that seems to be rebuilding to a Lions team poised as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler, has every reason to be thrilled about the opportunity in Detroit.

The Browns initially acquired Smith in 2023 through a trade with the Vikings. In his time with Cleveland, Smith was a reliable contributor, starting 25 games. He racked up 10.5 sacks, 50 total tackles, 27 quarterback hits, 14 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble while playing alongside Garrett. However, with Hutchinson out, Detroit’s urgent need for a proven pass rusher led to the trade that sent Smith to the Motor City.

Although losing Smith is a blow to Cleveland’s defense, Garrett expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt. One player he specifically highlighted was defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo, who will step into a more prominent role with Smith gone.

“We have a lot of trust in the guys here,” Garrett said. “Ogbo has been consistent since he arrived. He’s been a serious threat off the bench, and now he has a real chance to show what he can do as a starter.”

Okoronkwo, who joined the Browns during the offseason, has yet to start a game in his 15 appearances. Despite this, his contributions have been solid, with 6.5 sacks, 44 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 11 quarterback hits to his name. Garrett believes this consistency will translate well as Okoronkwo steps into a larger role.

While Okoronkwo’s production hasn’t reached the level of Garrett or Smith, there’s optimism that he can rise to the occasion with more playing time. Garrett’s endorsement suggests that Cleveland is confident in its ability to replace Smith’s presence on the field.

In the end, Garrett’s reaction to the trade showed both his happiness for Smith’s new opportunity and his faith in the Browns’ remaining defensive unit. The Lions gained an elite pass rusher in Smith, while the Browns have an opportunity to see what their younger players, like Okoronkwo, can do when given a chance to shine.