The Detroit Lions are squarely positioned in the midst of NFL trade speculation. With the trade deadline approaching on November 5, the Lions are seen as a team seeking a pass rusher following season-ending injuries to Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport. Since Hutchinson’s injury in Week 6, the Lions’ pass rush has faced significant difficulties, and their defensive line has failed to secure a sack in the past two games. Consequently, the Lions are anticipated to seek assistance through trades.
On ESPN’s “Get Up” Thursday, NFL insider Adam Schefter indicated that the Lions are likely to pursue reinforcements. Current top candidates include Za’Darius Smith from Cleveland and Azeez Ojulari from New York. “Yes, I believe you will see that. Dan Campbell appeared quite energized, like a cat that got the canary,” Schefter remarked. “While they haven’t finalized any deals yet, several pass rushers are available. Za’Darius Smith and Azeez Ojulari are two options that make sense for the Lions. If you’re this close to contention, why not trade a mid-round pick for some reinforcement until Aidan Hutchinson returns for the Super Bowl, if you make it that far?”
ESPN previously reported that the asking price for Smith from the Browns is around a fourth-round pick. The 32-year-old is enjoying a strong season in Cleveland, having recorded five sacks in the first seven games. “He’s a sought-after player right now,” stated ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. “The Lions urgently need a pass rusher due to injuries, so they could be involved here. Sources indicate the Browns want a solid day-three pick for Smith, likely a fourth-rounder. However, I’ve also heard the Browns might consider keeping him.”
Smith has NFC North experience and has expressed interest in a trade to the Lions, as it would allow him to face his former teams, Green Bay and Minnesota, twice each season. Ojulari, on the other hand, is in the last year of his rookie deal with the New York Giants, boasting six sacks this season, including five in his last three games.
The Lions have also been associated with high-profile pass rushers like Maxx Crosby of Las Vegas and Myles Garrett of Cleveland. However, due to their key roles with their teams, trades involving them are not anticipated. “How many times do we have to emphasize that the Raiders won’t trade Maxx Crosby and the Browns won’t trade Myles Garrett?” Schefter added. “These players are integral to their teams.”