Detroit Lions General Manager Brad Holmes has made another smart move to boost the team’s defense by bringing in veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns. The Lions needed this trade badly as their defensive lineup struggles with injuries that have weakened their pass rush. Holmes shows his steadfast dedication to keep the Lions competitive despite recent challenges.
Za’Darius Smith will immediately strengthen both the pass rush and run defense. His ability to play different positions on the defensive line gives coordinator Aaron Glenn more options, which helps cover for Aidan Hutchinson’s absence. The Detroit front office’s latest roster move can be evaluated based on the trade specifics, the money involved, and how Smith could help the Lions’ playoff chances.
Za’Darius Smith Trade Details
The Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions completed a most important trade deal on Tuesday. This calculated move aims to strengthen the Lions’ defensive capabilities through multiple draft picks. Both teams worked out careful financial arrangements to finalize the deal.
Lions’ acquisition
Detroit landed Za’Darius Smith and a 2026 seventh-round draft pick through a trade deal. The veteran pass rusher comes with an impressive track record that includes five sacks this season and 65 career sacks. Smith strengthens Detroit’s defense immediately, which helps the team especially when you have recent injuries on the defensive line.
Browns’ compensation
Cleveland acquired valuable draft picks for Smith that include:
- A fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft
- A sixth-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft
The Browns continue to build their draft arsenal with these additions. The team now holds nine picks in the 2025 draft, and more compensatory selections could be on the way.
Financial implications
Brad Holmes and the Lions’ front office made a smart financial move with this trade. Here’s how Smith’s contract breaks down:
2024 Remaining Salary – $605,000
2025 Base Salary – $1.5 million
2025 Option Bonus – $5.59 million
2025 | Roster Bonus – $2 million
Detroit’s acquisition is cost-effective since the Browns have already covered $11.3 million of Smith’s 2024 pay. Smith’s 2025 contract has $11 million in non-guaranteed money that we structured mostly through roster bonuses. This setup gives the Lions room to review Smith’s performance before they commit to keeping him for 2025.
The money side of this deal works well for Detroit. They can keep Smith for 2025 with a cap hit around $5.4 million or let him go before the option and roster bonuses kick in without any dead cap effects. This setup lines up perfectly with Brad Holmes’ smart approach to managing the roster and salary cap.
Smith’s Fit in Detroit’s Defense
Za’Darius Smith stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 270 pounds, making him the perfect physical prototype the Lions want in their defensive front. His addition fills significant defensive needs and brings multiple tactical advantages to Detroit’s defensive schemes.
Schematic advantages
The Lions’ defensive front gains immediate flexibility with Smith’s arrival. His versatility shines through his mastery of different starting positions, which enables defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to deploy pressure packages in a variety of ways. This veteran defender shows excellence in both three-point stance and wide-9 technique, creating tactical advantages that leave opposing offenses uncertain. Detroit’s defensive playbook becomes more sophisticated as Smith executes stunts, twists, and delayed rushes effectively.
Potential effect on run defense
Lions’ run defense has struggled lately and allows 124.2 yards per game and 5.5 yards per carry. Smith could help improve these numbers substantially with his impressive 65.9 PFF run defense grade. His grade stands out when compared to current Lions defensive ends and is expected to upgrade this defense immediately.
Smith knows how to set the edge and handle double teams effectively against opposing running attacks. His physical presence and technical expertise in run defense will strengthen Detroit’s defensive unit where they need it most.
Versatility across the defensive line
Smith demonstrates his versatility through multiple defensive front positions:
- Edge rushing from both traditional and wide positions
- Interior pressure from 3-technique position
- SAM linebacker role execution
- A-gap and B-gap pressure packages as a “mug” linebacker
This flexibility in positioning helps the Lions stay unpredictable on defense while creating matchup advantages. Smith’s background in different defensive schemes helps him blend smoothly into various packages. He excels at rushing from a two-point stance and handling assignments over tight ends.
The veteran defender knows how to create pressure without compromising run defense, which fits Detroit’s defensive approach perfectly. His teammates have noticed his positive influence, as his energy and work ethic have transformed the defensive unit’s culture. Smith’s versatility gives the Lions vital depth and tactical options while they push toward playoff contention and work to keep their competitive edge.
Brad Holmes’ Strategic Moves
Brad Holmes showed a calculated approach to building a championship-caliber roster after becoming Detroit Lions’ General Manager. His defensive acquisitions reflect a strategic vision that connects immediate competitive needs with long-term sustainability.
Addressing defensive needs
Brad Holmes has achieved important results with his methodical approach to the Lions’ defense. The team ranked 19th in total defense and 23rd in scoring defense last season, so he coordinated several key moves to boost the unit:
- Traded for veteran cornerback Carlton Davis
- Signed cornerback Amik Robertson in free agency
- Added elite defensive tackle DJ Reader
- Drafted top cornerback prospects Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
These additions show Holmes’ focus on fixing defensive weaknesses while keeping roster options open. The defense has improved notably under his guidance in these areas. In Total Defense, Scoring Defense and Pass Defense, where they ranked no better than 27th (Pass Defense) in 2022, they have ranked 15th or higher in all 3 categories since last year..
Long-term roster planning
Holmes believes in eco-friendly success rather than quick fixes. His philosophy resonates clearly through his conversation with Jon Jansen and Jim Costa on 97.1 The Ticket. He emphasizes steady progress: “We don’t want to take any steps backwards. We want to keep improving, and we’re gonna take the same approach.”
The general manager’s blueprint includes:
- Smart strategic collaborations in free agency
- Flexible salary cap management to secure future extensions
- Young talent development through the draft
- Strong depth creation with the core team
Balancing draft capital and immediate impact
Brad Holmes shows remarkable skill at managing draft capital and meeting the team’s immediate needs. Through collaboration with head coach Dan Campbell, their personnel decisions support both competitive goals and long-term vision. As Campbell noted, “Brad’s been grinding on this… He’s been going and looking at really everything that could potentially be available.”
The front office looks at several key factors when evaluating talent:
- Player fit within existing schemes
- Salary cap implications
- Draft pick valuation
- Team philosophy fit
- Future roster planning
Holmes’ approach to building the roster shows his deep grasp of NFL team building. He avoids the “one player away” mindset and focuses on complete roster development. This strategy helps the Lions stay flexible while building a strong foundation for the future.
The Za’Darius Smith trade highlights Holmes’ talent for finding players who fill current needs without hurting future plans. His smart handling of salary cap and roster needs puts the Lions in a great position. This marks a shift from the quick-fix thinking common in NFL front offices.
Expectations for Lions’ Defense Moving Forward
Za’Darius Smith’s addition to the Lions indicates a major change in their defensive strategy. The veteran pass rusher arrives at a crucial time when the defense faces major challenges. His presence offers immediate support and future benefits while the team pursues its championship goals.
Smith’s role in the absence of Aidan Hutchinson
The Lions’ defense took a major hit when Hutchinson suffered a season-ending leg injury against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6. His NFL-leading 7.5 sacks and 45 quarterback pressures left a significant gap in the team’s defensive capabilities. Recent weeks have shown the impact of his absence, almost zero pressure on Jordan Love this past weekend, and no significant pressure since Hutchinson’s injury.
Smith brings valuable veteran leadership to the defensive front, though he may not match Hutchinson’s outstanding numbers alone. The three-time Pro Bowler’s impressive 65 career sacks over ten seasons demonstrate his ability to consistently disrupt opposing offenses.
Potential improvements in pass rush
Recent weeks have revealed troubling trends in the Lions’ pass rush capabilities through their defensive statistics. The team’s 26th ranking in pass rush win rate since Hutchinson’s injury demonstrates a clear need for improvement. Smith’s addition to the team resolves multiple challenges:
- He generates immediate pressure and has recorded five sacks this season
- His presence forces double teams that create openings for teammates
- He rushes effectively from multiple positions
- He brings significant experience in high-pressure situations
The defensive coaching staff will deploy Smith through a committee approach that maximizes his impact while keeping him fresh throughout games. His success in one-on-one matchups gives defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn more scheme flexibility, which becomes vital for upcoming matchups.
Impact on playoff aspirations
The Lions still have their sights set on the Super Bowl, and Smith’s arrival shows they’re serious about winning now. His playoff experience with eight postseason appearances across different teams adds a fresh point of view to a team chasing a championship. Smith’s playoff stats speak for themselves:
- 18 tackles in postseason play
- 8 quarterback hits
- 4 playoff sacks
- Experience with four different playoff teams
The defense needs to keep putting pressure on quarterbacks as they head into the postseason. The team’s defensive numbers showed they needed help after Hutchinson got injured. Smith fills this gap and helps guide younger players on the team.
The Lions will use Smith in different ways to make the most of his experience in both rushing the quarterback and stopping the run. He knows how to handle double teams and protect the edge, which fits perfectly with the team’s defensive approach. This matters even more since they don’t deal very well with the run game, giving up 124.2 yards per game in their last five games.
Smith should make a difference right away, though we shouldn’t expect too much too soon. He knows the NFC North well and has shown up in big moments, which makes him valuable to Detroit’s defense. The coaches have made it clear – while Smith won’t replace everything Hutchinson does, he brings depth and veteran leadership to a defense with championship dreams.
Brad Holmes showed his expertise by bringing Za’Darius Smith to the Lions.
This move brilliantly addresses their defensive needs and shows smart roster management. Smith brings his proven skills as a pass-rusher and helps improve run defense. The Lions needed defensive stability after Aidan Hutchinson’s injury, and Smith offers tactical flexibility. Holmes structured the deal smartly to add veteran talent without limiting future roster options.
The Lions continue their quest for a championship through this strategic defensive addition that positions them well beyond this season. Smith’s experience and adaptability in different defensive roles give defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn more tactical choices. This smart decision shows Detroit’s steadfast dedication to building a complete roster that can compete at the highest level while staying stable for years to come.
