Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes knew that his roster had a major hole to fill after Aidan Hutchinson suffered a season-ending injury last month, and pulled off a trade deadline blockbuster for Za’Darius Smith to fill it.
After all, Hutchinson is one of the premier players at his position across the league, and a cornerstone to the Lions’ defensive identity.
Holmes, though, was able to land veteran Za’Darius Smith and a seventh-round draft choice in a deal with the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a fifth-rounder in 2025 and a sixth-rounder in 2026.
As the Lions make their charge towards the No. 1 seed and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs in the NFC, Smith could play a starring role.
How Za’Darius Smith Fits Detroit Lions Defense
One NFL executive tells me Smith’s skill-set will fit right in defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s scheme.
“He’s a power rusher,” an AFC Scouting Director tells me, on the condition of anonymity to speak freely about another team. “Brings size and strength to the position. He’ll be a good addition to that defense. They need pass rushers, and probably need to go get one more. Hutchinson was such a difference-maker, and one player isn’t making up his lost production.”
Smith has logged five sacks this season, but it will be fascinating to see his impact after going from a team in the doldrums of failing to live up to expectations to the throes of a legitimate Super Bowl chase.
Set to make his debut this Sunday when the Lions take on the Jaguars, Lions head coach Dan Campbell has a clear directive for Smith.
“I’m not gonna be looking at the stats. I just want to know that he’s doing his job, and he’s as productive as he can be in that,” Campbell told reporters. “So, no, I can’t say that I’m putting these, I’m like, ‘This is what needs to show up on the stat sheet. This many sacks, this many pressures.’ Man, just go in there and if you do your job, and you’re able to push the pocket and (Josh) Paschal gets one or Alim (McNeill), then we’ll know you did your job. That in itself is gonna count for a lot. And then Paschal will push them to you or vice versa.”
