JUST IN: Lions’ Dan Campbell Makes ‘Shocking and Brutal’ Announcement On Za’Darius Smith After Browns Trade

One of the biggest headlines from the NFL trade deadline centered on the Detroit Lions, who have arguably looked like the NFC’s top team through the first half of the season. Starting the season with a need for an additional pass rusher, that need became even more urgent after star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson suffered a season-ending leg injury.

On the last day of the trade window, the Lions addressed their need by acquiring edge rusher Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns. In the deal, Detroit received Smith and a seventh-round pick, while sending a fifth- and sixth-round pick for the 2025 NFL Draft to Cleveland.

Though the Lions secured a skilled pass rusher in Smith, head coach Dan Campbell isn’t rushing him to Detroit right away, as reported by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “I thought that was important,” Campbell said, explaining that since the Browns were on a bye week when the trade was finalized, Smith would use the time to refresh and join the team on Friday.

Lions looking unstoppable in a competitive NFC

While other NFC contenders have had mixed performances this season, the Lions seem to be thriving despite losing Hutchinson during a season where he was performing at a Defensive Player of the Year level. The Lions are currently on a six-game winning streak, having rebounded from a Week 2 loss to the Buccaneers, with standout wins that include a 47-9 victory over the Cowboys in Dallas and a 52-14 rout of the Titans.

In Week 9, Detroit showed its dominance in a NFC North rivalry clash, decisively beating the Green Bay Packers 24-14 at Lambeau Field, with the final score not fully reflecting their control over the game.

Under Campbell, the Lions are firing on all cylinders. Jared Goff is nearly flawless at quarterback, while Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are tearing through defenses on the ground. Detroit’s defense has also tightened up, consistently preventing big plays. While sustaining this level all season will be challenging, the Lions appear poised to be a formidable force in the NFC.