In a dramatic response to Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending injury in Week 6, the Detroit Lions wasted no time addressing their depleted pass rush, striking a blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Browns to acquire three-time Pro Bowler Za’Darius Smith. Along with Smith, the Lions also received a 2026 seventh-round pick, sending a 2025 fifth-round and a 2026 sixth-round pick to Cleveland in return.
The move not only bolsters the Lions’ defensive front but also shifts the NFL power dynamics as Detroit, already a Super Bowl favorite, continues to push for dominance. The trade comes as no surprise to Browns star Myles Garrett, who shed light on his former teammate’s reaction to the deal.
Garrett: “I’ve Never Seen a Man Smile So Much”
Garrett, addressing the Cleveland media after the trade, painted a jubilant picture of Smith’s departure:
“Well first, I’d like to say I’ve never seen a man smile so much going to a new place,” Garrett remarked. “My man was cheesing from ear to ear when he was on TV. But happy to see him feeling good, feeling like himself and being positive.”
Smith’s enthusiasm is understandable. Moving from a Browns team in flux to a Lions squad brimming with playoff aspirations is the kind of midseason career shift most players dream of.
Smith’s Impact and Garrett’s Confidence in Cleveland’s Depth
Smith leaves Cleveland after joining the team in 2023 in a trade from the Minnesota Vikings. In his 25-game stint alongside Garrett, he tallied 10.5 sacks, 50 total tackles, 27 quarterback hits, 14 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. While his production will undoubtedly be missed, Garrett appeared unfazed, expressing confidence in the Browns’ ability to fill the void.
“As far as the guys we have here, we have a lot of confidence,” Garrett said. “Ogbo [Okoronkwo] has been consistent since he’s been here. He’s been a threat and he’s been that sixth man, really off the bench, and now he’s really going to get an opportunity to show what he can do on a more consistent basis.”
Okoronkwo Steps Into the Spotlight
Enter Ogbo Okoronkwo. Despite not starting in his first 15 games with Cleveland, Okoronkwo has shown flashes of brilliance. He’s amassed 6.5 sacks, 44 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 11 quarterback hits during that span. With Smith’s departure, Okoronkwo now steps into a more prominent role, earning a ringing endorsement from Garrett.
While Okoronkwo might lack the résumé of Smith, his numbers suggest significant potential. If given consistent playing time, he could emerge as a formidable complement to Garrett on the Browns’ defensive line.
A Win-Win Deal?
For Detroit, the addition of Smith brings experience, production, and leadership to a unit that urgently needs it following Hutchinson’s injury. The Lions’ front office has sent a clear signal that they’re all-in on this season, adding another weapon to one of the NFL’s most complete rosters.
Meanwhile, Cleveland, while losing a seasoned veteran, positions itself for the future. The Browns now lean on Okoronkwo and other emerging talents to step up and fill the void.
The Road Ahead
The Lions, now with Smith in the fold, look primed to make a deep playoff run, while the Browns focus on retooling their defense midseason. For Za’Darius Smith, it’s a chance to chase a Super Bowl ring with a new team, and for Cleveland, it’s a moment to see if their young talent can rise to the occasion.
With both teams now on diverging paths, all eyes will be on Smith as he takes the field in Motor City, and on Okoronkwo, as he seizes his moment in Cleveland. The NFL’s midseason drama just got a lot more interesting.
