Za’Darius Smith, an edge defender for the Cleveland Browns, is one of the most sought-after trade targets, but he could soon join the Detroit Lions. A fourth-round choice in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Kentucky product instantly outperformed his draft status, collecting 5.5 sacks as a rookie. Smith thrived in a part-time role and proved he could be a full-time threat for the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. Now with the Browns, the three-time Pro Bowler has five sacks in eight games and could earn a good return in a trade.
Jameis Winston helps the Browns compete, but it’s too little, too late. Deshaun Watson’s poor play singlehandedly ruined the season, leaving the squad with no chance of making the playoffs. With a rebuild looming, the organization may deal Za’Darius Smith to the Detroit Lions. Head coach Dan Campbell hinted at a huge move within the next 24 hours, but he will have to outbid the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers for his services.
Dan Campbell’s comments suggest that a trade for Za’Darius Smith is coming.
At 6-1, the Detroit Lions are one of the league’s best teams and have a good chance of winning the Lombardi Trophy in February. However, their chances of winning it all were severely hampered when great pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson sustained a season-ending injury. Prior to his injury, Hutchinson performed like a Defensive Player of the Year, and only two or three pass rushers in the league can equal his output. Za’Darius Smith is not one of those players, but the 32-year-old is perhaps the finest trade possibility available.
The Detroit Lions, who just missed the Super Bowl in 2023, are better than ever. Dan Campbell’s team, led by a high-octane offence and an opportunistic defence, must be fully committed to the 2024 season. Za’Darius Smith is easily the best pass rusher on this roster, and the trade target should put up numbers against offences that must pass early and often to stay up with the Lions’ offence. While Smith would be an excellent match for this team, the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers might also compete for his services.
Other Suitors
The Baltimore Ravens are undoubtedly the finest team in the AFC, but their Week 8 loss to the Browns revealed that they are far from flawless. Lamar Jackson had a fantastic game, but it didn’t matter since Jameis Winston moved the ball effortlessly against Baltimore’s defence. Kyle Van Noy and former first-round pick Odafe Oweh are doing an excellent job of pursuing the quarterback, but they require a third trustworthy option. While trades inside the AFC North are uncommon, the Browns could make an exception for Za’Darius Smith, whose contract expires after the season.
Khalil Mack continues to defy his age, but Joey Bosa, the Chargers’ pass rusher, cannot. The former first-round pick is still dealing with an injury, having aggravated what he described as the most painful injury of his career during the team’s victory over the New Orleans Saints. The human body can only handle so much, therefore Los Angeles should prepare for life without Bosa. Head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win with his defence, and teaming a quality pass rusher like Za’Darius Smith with Khalil Mack could result in one of the league’s best pass rushes.
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