The Detroit Lions are reportedly making calls to trade for an edge rusher to bolster their pass rush, following the season-ending injury to star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Lions are actively exploring trade options for an edge rusher, with one of their top targets being Cleveland Browns veteran Za’Darius Smith ¹ ².

Why Za’Darius Smith?

Smith would be a significant upgrade for the Lions’ defense, bringing experience and skill to the edge rusher position. He’s a three-time Pro Bowler with double-digit sacks in two of his last three seasons. Smith has also played in the NFC North before, suiting up for the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, which could make the transition to Detroit smoother. The Lions would need to send a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Browns to acquire Smith, a relatively affordable price for a veteran pass rusher ² ³.

Other Potential Targets

While Smith is a top candidate, the Lions are also reportedly interested in other edge rushers, including ⁴ ⁵:

– Chase Young: The former No. 2 overall pick has been inconsistent in his career but has shown flashes of brilliance. The Saints might be willing to trade him, given their 2-6 record.

– Trey Hendrickson: The Bengals’ edge rusher has been a productive player, and the Lions might be interested in trading for him. However, the Bengals would likely require a significant draft pick in return.

– Travon Walker: The Jaguars’ edge rusher has shown promise, but the team might be hesitant to trade him without a high draft pick in return.

Trade Deadline

The NFL trade deadline is November 5, and the Lions are working to finalize a deal for an edge rusher. Head coach Dan Campbell has expressed optimism about potentially making a trade, saying, “We’re still talking about it, and we’re still working through it.” The Lions are expected to make a move to strengthen their pass rush, and acquiring an edge rusher like Smith could be a key addition to their defense ⁵.