Lions trade rumors: ESPN insider reveals asking price for Za'Darius Smith

One of the most popular potential trade targets for the Detroit Lions is Cleveland Browns defensive end Za'Darius Smith. The connections are easy to make. At 6-foot-4 and 275 pounds, he fits the physical profile of an Aidan Hutchinson replacement, and Smith is still playing at a high level (5.0 sacks, 70.0 PFF pass rush grade). Smith has also openly said he believes the Lions would be a good fit for him.

The big question is how much he might cost in a trade, and ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler offered his thoughts this week based on his inside sources.

“While Cleveland will not seek to trade away core players, it could take action if the right opportunities arise,” Fowler wrote Wednesday. “From what I’ve heard, a good choice for Smith on day three will probably get the job done.”

Currently, the Lions have five Day 3 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. They have their original fourth and fifth round picks. They have a sixth-round pick, acquired from the Buccaneers in the Carlton Davis trade, and two seventh-round picks – the second of which they acquired from the Cowboys when Detroit traded to draft Terrion Arnold . (Detroit's original sixth-round pick was sent to the Browns for Donovan Peoples-Jones.)

That gives the Lions enough resources to complete the deal if they wish. Detroit would also have to acquire Smith's contract, but he is making the league minimum salary this year ($1.21 million) and most of his cost in 2025 is tied up in non-guaranteed roster bonuses (he only has a salary of 1.5 million US dollars). ).

The Lions have openly said they are scouring the market and that general manager Brad Holmes is in trouble. However, coach Dan Campbell has at the same time stressed that they will not despair and that they will also fully assess their internal options to compensate for the loss of Hutchinson.

“We’re still talking about it and they’re still working on it,” Campbell said Monday. “I'm not worried, there are other ways to create pressure and yes, would you like a little more?” Yes, we would like a little more. (…) We are aware of it and are still dealing with it, but no, I wouldn’t say we are in a panic.”