The Detroit Lions appear to be one of the hottest teams in the NFL entering Week 7. Detroit is 4-1 entering a crucial game against the 5-0 Vikings on Sunday. Unfortunately, the Lions will have to go the rest of the season without their ace edge rusher, Aidan Hutchinson. One experienced edge rusher has surfaced as a potential trade target for Detroit as they want to strengthen their pass rush.
Za’Darius Smith, the Cleveland Browns defensive end, has surfaced as a potential trade target for the Lions.
Smith is a three-time Pro Bowl player with 63 career sacks. He is well-known among Lions supporters as a former Packers and Vikings player. Detroit would most likely be able to obtain Smith for a low cost as a half-season rental from the struggling Browns. Smith has one year left on his deal after this season, giving him some theoretical worth.
The rumours are spreading since Smith has publicly expressed his interest in such a trade.
Smith was asked about the potential of getting dealt to the Lions on Friday and delivered an honest response.
“But if I was to go to Detroit, I would like it because I get to play Green Bay twice a year and the Vikings twice a year,” Smith told The Chronicle-Telegram. “So, yeah, that’ll be big.”
Smith subsequently commented: “I’m staying positive, but now that you say that, it might be a good look, a good feel for me.”
On Tuesday, the Lions added Isaiah Thomas from the Bengals’ practice squad. Trade talks are anticipated to ramp up this week as we approach the NFL trade deadline.
Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson expects to return if Detroit makes it to the Super Bowl.
Fortunately, the Lions and Aidan Hutchinson received an encouraging injury update on Saturday.
Hutchinson’s tibia injury is allegedly not as severe as first thought, raising the possibility of his return for a Super Bowl appearance with the Lions.
“Sources say there are several factors that point to Hutchinson potentially being back at the early benchmark of four months — which would be right at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on Feb. 9, 2025 — provided Detroit makes it, of course,” Rapoport tweeted.
“Though Hutchinson’s injury was horrific and chilling to watch, the fracture itself was actually a clean break, sources say,” according to Rapaport. “There were no ligament injuries. There was no neurological impairment. The types of difficulties that can arise from such a significant break were not evident, which was extremely wonderful news.”
Lions head coach Dan Campbell had expressed optimism regarding Hutchinson’s return, saying he would never rule him out.
“I would never count Hutch out, ever,” Campbell said Monday. “So probably a long road, but I would never count him out, and I would say if anybody can make it back, it’d be him.”
If the Lions make it to the Super Bowl, Hutchinson’s return would be a significant boost to their defence. Lions followers are praying that this incredible narrative will come true.
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