5 Questions: What Detroit Lions Get in Za’Darius Smith Trade

The Detroit Lions finally added to their defensive end cap space by trading for Za’Darius Smith from Cleveland Browns. Smith was clearly Detroit’s top and most realistic target based on last week’s rumors.

But now that the move is actually being made, let’s dive into the player. We sent five questions to our friend Jared Mueller of Browns SB Nation blog Dawgs By Nature to see how Smith has played in Cleveland over the past 1.5 seasons.

Here’s what Mueller has to say:

1. How much juice is left in Za’Darius Smith? Is he someone who can still consistently win one-on-ones?

Muller: “Smith looks his age on the field at times but overcomes that with experience. The big unknown is whether Smith’s production has been primarily due to being next to Myles Garrett and Danielle Hunter the past few years? With the Browns, Smith has rarely been chipped or double-teamed because most of the attention has gone to Garrett. Smith has also been able to move around the line to chase better matchups due to the presence of Garrett and a solid defensive line in general. When you’re one-on-one with the second-best offensive lineman, Smith will push you.”

2. Run defense is crucial for the Lions, how has Smith held up at this point in his career?

Muller: “A strong bull of a player, Smith held down the strong-side defensive end spot in Cleveland. He can set the edge and take double teams well. At 6-foot-4 and 270 pounds, Smith has enough bulk to be an important piece in The Lions run defense.”

3. People will naturally think that Smith is the advantage of having Myles Garrett on the other side. How much of Smith’s production is because of that, how much is his own?

Muller: “As mentioned above, this question is difficult to answer. What we do know is that Jadeveon Clowney was not hyper-productive against Garrett, while Smith has been able to make an impact. Lions fans expecting a Hutch replacement will be disappointed, Smith is nowhere near that level. A solid edge player who doesn’t make mistakes and gets pressure on the QB, even if it doesn’t lead to sacks, is what Smith will provide the rest of the season.”

4. What is Smith’s character like? Hard worker? Good locker room guy? Seems like a “Dan Campbell” guy?

Muller: “Prior to his arrival in Cleveland, there were reports of concerns about Smith in the locker room. At Browns, everyone loves the “Z.” His energy and work ethic were unquestioned while in Cleveland. Smith is not the quiet type at all and players are drawn to him. Campbell will try to add another voice in the dressing room by getting on the same page with Smith.”

5. What are your thoughts on the trading conditions?

Muller: “Considering everything, especially Smith’s age and contract, the picks instead are about what should have been expected. Fans will always value their players higher, but Smith didn’t return next year and the Browns aren’t going anywhere this season. If you throw in the trade of picks in 2026, a fifth-round pick this year for eight games (at least in Cleveland) is a win.”