Za’Darius Smith trade grades

The Detroit Lions secured a crucial addition to their defense with the acquisition of pass rusher Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns, following the unfortunate injury to their young star, Aidan Hutchinson. Smith, a seasoned player with a strong track record in the NFC North — thanks to stints with the Packers and Vikings — is expected to fill the void left by Hutchinson’s absence. Although Detroit was rumored to be in the mix for a high-profile trade for the Raiders’ Maxx Crosby, they opted for the more affordable option in Smith.

Za’Darius Smith Trade Details:

• Lions Receive:
  • EDGE Za’Darius Smith
  • 2026 seventh-round draft pick
• Browns Receive:
  • 2025 fifth-round draft pick
  • 2026 sixth-round draft pick

Grades and Analysis:

Lions Grade: A
The Lions managed to land a high-impact player without sacrificing significant draft capital. Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler, has maintained solid performance even at 32, bringing veteran leadership and playmaking experience to Detroit’s defense. His addition addresses the team’s urgent need for pass-rushing depth, especially with Hutchinson sidelined and injuries impacting other key players like John Cominsky, Marcus Davenport, and Josh Pascal. Smith’s immediate presence should give a noticeable boost to the Lions’ sack production, shoring up a defense that’s faced a string of bad injury luck.

Browns Grade: B
With the Browns shopping players after trading Amari Cooper to the Bills, it was no surprise that Smith was also available. Although the 49ers showed interest, the Browns settled on a modest return, gaining a fifth-round pick in 2025 and a sixth-round pick in 2026. While Cleveland might have pushed for a higher price, the trade allowed them to recoup some value before Smith hit free agency in 2025. This move also reflects the Browns’ potential pivot toward rebuilding, with management focusing on recovering from the fallout of the Deshaun Watson trade and recalibrating for the future.

For both teams, the trade addresses immediate needs: Detroit gains an effective pass rusher for a playoff push, while Cleveland gains draft flexibility to help rebuild.