DETROIT – The Detroit Lions are expected to trade for a Cleveland Browns edge rusher to replace Aidan Hutchinson, according to a report.
NBC’s Pro Football Talk is reporting that the Lions are expected to acquire Browns star Za’Darius Smith by Monday, at the latest.
Smith, 32, is in his second year with the Browns after spending his first eight NFL seasons with the Ravens, Packers, and Vikings. He has 65 career sacks and 5.5 through nine games this season.
Smith played for the Browns on Sunday against the Chargers, picking up a half-sack.
The Lions lost Hutchinson during their blowout win over the Cowboys. He was leading the NFL with 7.5 sacks at the time of his injury, and the Lions have struggled to generate pressure without blitzing ever since.
At 6-1, the Lions have the best record in the NFC as they head into Green Bay for a first-place battle against the Packers. The addition of Smith would further cement their status as Super Bowl contenders.
