According to several sources, the Detroit Lions have finally made their move: Za’Darius Smith is joining Motown in a deal with the Cleveland Browns. The Lions are giving the Browns a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The Browns will also pay the remaining $605,000 of Smith’s salary this year, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Smith has a non-guaranteed $11 million in 2025, the last year of his contract, according to Spotrac. Given that Detroit lost both Marcus Davenport and Aidan Hutchinson to season-ending injuries, it should go without saying how significant this deal is for the franchise. Smith boosts Detroit’s chances of reaching and winning a Super Bowl right away and gives their pass-rush a significant lift.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell sat at his desk, the afternoon light filtering through his office window as he reviewed game film. He’d been deep in thought, studying defensive plays, when his phone buzzed. It was the team’s general manager, Brad Holmes, with news that made Campbell sit up straight. The Lions had just acquired Za’Darius Smith.
Campbell knew all about Smith. A powerhouse linebacker with a relentless drive, Smith had been making waves in the league with his tenacity and skill. In Campbell’s mind, he was exactly the kind of player the Lions needed to bolster their defense. He could already imagine the impact Smith would have on the field — disrupting quarterbacks, setting an aggressive tone, and bringing a level of intimidation that would keep opposing teams on their toes.
Moments after the news hit the airwaves, reporters gathered for Campbell’s reaction. When he walked into the press room, a grin spread across his face. He looked every bit the enthusiastic coach, his energy practically radiating as he stepped up to the podium.
“Man, I can’t say enough good things about Za’Darius,” he began, his eyes alight with excitement. “This guy is a straight-up warrior on the field. He’s got that grit we talk about — he’s gonna fit right into what we’re building here in Detroit. His attitude, his work ethic, his toughness…that’s what we’re about.”
Reporters peppered him with questions about how Smith would fit in the lineup. Campbell leaned forward, arms crossed, his trademark intensity on display.
“You add a guy like Za’Darius, and suddenly, the whole defense gets elevated. He’s gonna bring a real spark, help us get after those quarterbacks, set that tone. I’ve watched this guy play — he brings something special every time he’s out there,” Campbell said, his voice steady but filled with excitement.
One reporter asked if Campbell was worried about the pressure this would put on the team. Campbell shook his head with a smirk. “Pressure? Bring it on. This is Detroit. We’re building a team that can take it, thrive in it. Za’Darius is just one more piece of that puzzle.”
With that, Campbell left the podium, excitement in his step. He knew this trade could be the turning point they needed. For Detroit, the future was looking fierce.