Dawgs By Nature
The big NFL trade deadline move, with the Browns trading Za’Darius Smith to the Lions, was weeks in the making
When the Cleveland Browns traded for DE Za’Darius Smith in 2023, there were questions about the veteran’s ability to play at a high level in his 30s. While the numbers didn’t jump off the page in his first year with the Browns, Smith’s energy, effort and ability to get pressure on the quarterback was vital to the defense’s success.
Still, after 5.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss and 20 quarterback hits, Smith didn’t find much of a market in NFL free agency. Cleveland GM Andrew Berry brought Smith back on a creative deal, which the Browns will owe dead cap space on next season, and got similar production in just nine games.
The trade of Smith the Detroit Lions had been rumored for weeks, ever since Berry dealt away WR Amari Cooper.
Speaking to the media in Detroit, Smith shared that Berry had talked to him about the trade a few weeks before it happened and thanked the Browns GM for giving him a chance to play with the Lions and again play in the NFC North:
Previously, Smith had played for the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings within the division.
While the Browns have their bye week this week, Detroit is scheduled to play. The Lions gave Smith a few days off of practice and have listed him as questionable for their Week 10 matchup.
