The Detroit Lions have made their most important defensive move by bringing in veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Smith brings unmatched quarterback pressure abilities to the Lions’ defense, which ranks among the NFL’s most promising units. This addition boosts the Lions’ pass rush capabilities as they pursue their postseason goals.
The former Browns edge rusher will eventually team up with rising star Aidan Hutchinson (Broken Leg) to create a formidable defensive line presence. Smith’s value shines especially when you have divisional matchups, thanks to his extensive NFC North experience with the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. His impressive career stats show multiple double-digit sack seasons and consistent quarterback pressures that will help the Lions achieve their Super Bowl dreams.
Lions’ Defensive Needs and Smith’s Acquisition
The Lions face their most important defensive challenges after star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson suffered a broken tibia and fibula in Week 6. The team’s pass rush effectiveness dropped significantly, and injuries to Marcus Davenport and Derrick Barnes depleted the defensive line depth. The Lions now need immediate defensive reinforcement.
Lions’ current defensive situation
The Lions’ defense stands at 16th in the NFL with a 7.5% sack percentage before the trade, showing their need for pass-rushing talent. Hutchinson’s injury forced the team to depend on Josh Paschal, James Houston, and practice squad players to keep their defensive momentum. These adjustments provided only short-term solutions.
Details of the trade with the Browns
The trade package has:
Lions receive: Za’Darius Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick
Browns receive: 2025 fifth-round pick and 2026 sixth-round pick
Detroit benefits from favorable financial terms, as Smith’s contract guarantees only $605,000 for the rest of 2024 with the Browns having paid 11.3 million already in 2024. This mutually beneficial alliance gives the Lions immediate defensive reinforcement while they maintain reasonable cap flexibility.
Smith’s career highlights and statistics
Smith has built an impressive NFL career that spans a decade with several teams:
| 2023 (9 games) | Browns | 5 sacks, 23 tackles | | 2022 | Vikings | 10 sacks, 44 tackles | | 2019-21 | Packers | 26 sacks in 33 games | | 2015-18 | Ravens | 18.5 sacks, 119 tackles |The veteran pass rusher has racked up 65 career sacks during his NFL journey and has excelled with every team. His time in the NFC North with both the Packers and Vikings brings valuable experience to the Lions’ defensive lineup. Smith proved his worth early in 2023 by securing five sacks in just nine games with the Browns.
Impact on Lions’ Pass Rush
Recent analysis shows the Lions face a pressing challenge with their pass rush as the trade deadline approaches. Their defense ranks 23rd in the league and allows 23.2 points per game. The team shows potential but needs immediate defensive improvements.
Current pass rush statistics
The Lions’ defensive front has managed to keep respectable numbers through recent setbacks. Here are the leading tacklers:
Player
Total Tackles
Sacks
Jack Campbell
62
1.0
Alex Anzalone
46
1.0
Carlton Davis
43
0.0
Kerby Joseph
43
0.0
Alim McNeill leads the team’s pass rush with 2.5 sacks, yet the defensive unit struggles to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks since Hutchinson’s injury.
Smith could make an immediate difference with his 27 total pressures, which ranks 23rd among 192 edge players this season. His current season statistics show he delivers results consistently:
The veteran disrupts quarterbacks effectively and fits naturally into Detroit’s defensive scheme. His versatility shines in their 4-3 alignment.
Comparison with injured players
Hutchinson’s injury left a huge void in the Lions’ pass rush after recording 7.5 sacks. Smith steps in to fill this gap with matching production potential. His pressure rate and quarterback hits show he can deliver the same level of disruption as Hutchinson.
Smith’s experience bolsters the defensive rotation, especially when supporting players like Trevor Nowaske (2 sacks) and Brian Branch (32 tackles). Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn can now maintain aggressive schemes while Smith mentors younger players.
The Lions’ defense needed reinforcement despite showing flashes of excellence. Smith brings an impressive 65 career sacks and recent success with the Browns. He can help restore the team’s pass-rushing dominance that made their defense a force early in the season.
Smith’s Experience in NFC North
Za’Darius Smith’s return to the NFC North represents a most important milestone in his career. His unique experience against divisional opponents strengthens the Detroit Lions’ defensive lineup.
Previous stints with the Packers and Vikings
Za’Darius Smith started his NFC North journey with a stellar performance in Green Bay after signing a four-year, $66 million contract in 2019. His presence changed the team’s defensive dynamics significantly:
Year
Team
Games
Sacks
Tackles
2019
Packers
16
13.5
55
2020
Packers
16
12.5
45
2022
Vikings
16
10.0
38
Smith’s first season with the Packers highlighted his exceptional pass-rushing skills that earned him a Pro Bowl selection. He elevated his game further the next season and secured Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors.
Familiarity with division rivals
Smith knows NFC North opponents inside out and has delivered many memorable performances:
Named NFC Defensive Player of the Month in October 2022 with the Vikings
Recorded 3.5 sacks against the Vikings while playing for Green Bay
Proved his worth at Lambeau Field with multiple multi-sack games
His extensive playing time against the Bears and Lions gives Detroit’s coaching staff practical insights
Smith’s knowledge goes beyond just the numbers. His deep understanding of offensive schemes and tendencies in the division gives Detroit an edge in vital divisional matchups.
Potential for immediate impact
Smith wants to join Detroit for more than just work reasons. He’s excited about facing his former teams and said, “If I was to go to Detroit, I would like it, because I get to play Green Bay twice a year and the Vikings twice a year.”
His recent numbers show he’s still effective with 10.5 sacks in 25 games for Cleveland, including five this season. These stats plus his deep knowledge of NFC North offenses make him ready to boost Detroit’s pass rush right away.
This veteran edge rusher brings extra value through his experience with different defensive schemes. Smith showed he can adapt to both 3-4 and 4-3 setups during his time with the Packers, getting a career-high 13.5 sacks in his first season. His success with the Vikings under a different defensive system proves his flexibility even more.
Smith earned NFC Defensive Player of the Month honors with the Vikings in October 2022. He racked up 14 tackles, 6.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, and a pass breakup. These impressive numbers against division rivals show what he could do for Detroit.
His strong record against division quarterbacks in crucial games adds a new edge to Detroit’s defensive strategy. Smith knows divisional offensive patterns well and consistently performs against familiar opponents. This makes him valuable as the Lions try to win their first division title in 30 years.
Lions’ Super Bowl Aspirations
The Detroit Lions lead the NFC North with a commanding position and an impressive 7-1 record. Their Super Bowl dreams have never been stronger, and they have emerged as serious championship contenders.
Current season performance
The Lions have become one of the NFL’s most dominant teams and excel on both offense and defense. Their offensive strength shows clearly in their statistics:
| Offensively | Points Per Game | 27.1 (5th in NFL) | | Total Yards | 6,712 | | Passing Completion | 74.9% | | Rushing Yards | 2,311 |
Quarterback Jared Goff coordinates an impressive offense and completes 74.9% of his passes for 1,840 yards with 14 touchdowns. The running game adds vital balance to the offensive attack with David Montgomery’s 488 rushing yards and Jahmyr Gibbs leading the team with 656 yards.
How Smith fits into playoff strategy
Za’Darius Smith’s addition meets significant defensive requirements as the Lions aim for playoff success. His defensive scheme integration creates several advantages:
Enhances the pass rush rotation, especially when you have Hutchinson’s absence
Adds veteran leadership during key late-season games
Creates defensive flexibility through his experience in various formations
Contributes playoff experience and proven performance in big games
The defensive boost arrives at the perfect moment, while the Lions’ +500 Super Bowl odds show they are legitimate contenders. Smith makes the defense stronger. The team allows 23.2 points per game, and his presence helps improve one of the few weak spots in their championship quest.
Expectations for the remainder of the season
The Lions stand ready to make a championship run with strong metrics and excellent field position. Their path to postseason glory looks promising:
Statistical Dominance
16.7% chance to win the Super Bowl
Second-best odds in the league
7-1 against the spread record
Leading the NFC North division
Offensive Firepower
Amon-Ra St. Brown: 464 yards, 6 touchdowns
Sam LaPorta: 300 yards, 2 touchdowns
A balanced attack that scores over 27 points per game
Smith joins the defense just as the Lions gear up for vital late-season games. The team’s +500 Super Bowl odds have jumped from preseason +1200, showing growing faith in their championship run. Their performance metrics, solid against-the-spread record, and steady offensive output point to their first Super Bowl appearance.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn can now be more flexible with his schemes, which matters against tougher playoff opponents. Smith adds muscle to a defense that has proven tough and adaptable – qualities that championship teams need.
The Lions’ remaining games give them chances to cement their place as Super Bowl contenders. Their balanced offense and improved pass rush with Smith set them up for success in both regular season and playoffs. The team’s impressive transformation from past seasons, shown by their current position and stats, proves they have what it takes to make a real Super Bowl push.
Za’Darius Smith’s arrival changes everything for the Detroit Lions’ 2023 season.
He brings elite pass-rushing skills and valuable NFC North experience to a defense that aims for championship-level play. His impressive record of 65 career sacks and recent success against division rivals helps the 7-1 Lions fill their defensive gaps. Smith fits perfectly into Detroit’s defensive strategy and will make an immediate difference, especially with Aidan Hutchinson out.
The Lions’ smart move to get Smith shows they’re serious Super Bowl contenders. He adds defensive power to support their fifth-ranked scoring offense. His veteran leadership strengthens the Lions’ push to win their first division title in 30 years. Smith’s playoff experience will guide the team through their upcoming playoff journey. This addition takes the Lions one step closer to becoming a complete championship team ready to compete with the best.
