10:42pm: Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer confirms the Browns and Lions have had talks regarding a Smith deal. He adds the price, should this agreement be finalized, will likely be around a fourth-round pick. That level of compensation would, of course, set the market for any other edge rush trades over the coming days.
1:16pm: Za’Darius Smithhas long been connected to a trade sending him from the Browns to the Lions. Signs continue to point in that direction. 
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports a deal between the teams is expected to be finalized tonight or tomorrow. At the moment, Smith is taking part in Cleveland’s Week 9 contest against the Chargers. Provided he does not suffer an injury during today’s game, attention will turn to the status of negotiations for a swap to be worked out.
Smith spoke about the possibility of a Lions arrival last month, stating an openness to a deal which would send him to the Motor City. Presuming this trade does indeed get worked out, the three-time Pro Bowler will return to the NFC North. A former Packer and Viking, Smith will have the chance to play two of his former teams during the latter stages of the 2024 season if he does indeed wind up with the Lions.
Detroit is without Marcus Davenport for the year, something which was exacerbated by Aidan Hutchinson‘s broken tibia. The latter could make a Super Bowl return, but his absence created a massive vacancy along the edge for the time being. In the build-up to Week 9, Lions head coach Dan Campbell strongly hinted at a pass rush addition being around the corner, so today’s report comes as no surprise.
The Lions are short on established options along the edge with their top two options on the mend, so Smith will have plenty of playing time available provided he does wind up changing teams. The 32-year-old recorded at least 10 sacks in each healthy season between 2019 and ’22, but he had a quieter debut Cleveland campaign last year (5.5). So far in 2024, though, Smith has racked up five sacks, a sign that he has remained productive deep into his career. Providing at least a depth presence on the edge for Detroit would be key for the team’s Super Bowl hopes.
The NFC North figures to be highly competitive throughout the season, and any acquisitions on the Lions’ part could tip the scales in their favor. The team has been connected to other trade candidates, but Smith has remained the most common target for some time now. He is attached to a base salary of just $1.21MM for 2024, along with a non-guaranteed $1.5MM in base pay next year. Smith is owed a $2MM roster bonus not long after the start of the next league year, so an adjustment from the Lions – should they end up acquiring him – would not come as a surprise.
It’s Brad Holmes, so expect it to be something along the lines of Smith + 5 draft picks to Detroit for 6 draft picks.
Lol
Holmes is the best GM the Lions have ever had but appears you’d rather have Matt Mullen or Bob Quinn call the shots. Get a life and appreciate what we’ve got here or lose the tigers moniker!
I think that Holmes is a fantastic G.M., but that was pretty funny.
How did you not get that the OP was complimenting Holmes? Lol
@motown he was saying yall have a great gm. Lions fans are so jaded, even though most of you never even saw Barry play. Keep in mind I said most
In Brad we trust.
Lets Go Lions Lets Go
Would love to see a Buffalo vs Detroit SB
Let’s go baby GO LIONS!!!!!!!
Just makes so much sense.
Lions are going all in. The time is now. Good for them.
Maybe they’ll add a second edge and take a flyer on Chase Young
Lmao you are a bandwagon after all. You didn’t even watch the nfc championship
You have no idea what you’re talking about! I’ve been a Lions fan longer than you’ve been alive (since 1967) and have lived and died by this team every Sunday they play. Do you remember Earl McCullough, Mel Farr, Mike Lucci, Wayne Walker, Paul Nuemoff, Larry Watkins, Mel Gray, Robert Porcher, Rodney Pette, Charlie Batch, Johhny Morton, Altie Taylor, Steve Owens to name a few long ago Lions?
Let Brad cook.
FTP
Could it be more obvious that NFNC fans all have big brother envy of the Packers? You just won on the road vs GB. Relax.
13>1 my dude.
And Lions fans thought they were getting Crosby or Garrett. LOL.
Z is washed. But Detroit had to do something.
Everyone knew Crosby & Garrett were not going anywhere
Not my friends who are Lions fans. A number of them were straight up delusional.
I wouldn’t give up a 5th for Z…..more like a 7th all by itself.