"They're unstoppable" - NFL fans hail Za'Darius Smith trade as Lions finalize move on Trade Deadline day

The Detroit Lions traded a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for edge rusher Za'Darius Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick before the 4:00 p.m. 2024 NFL Trade Deadline.

Detroit needed a strong pass rusher after Aidan Hutchinson's injury, so this deal has Lions NFL fans rejoicing. Other teams' supporters are increasingly concerned about the team's growing strength.

NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday about Detroit's new defensive acquisition on X.

Fans responded on the platform, expressing their approval of the deal.

"Big addition for the Lions. Already a SB contender that is loading up for a run," a fan tweeted.

"I like the move for the Lion," another fan tweeted.

"One opposition fan added: They are unstoppable oh my god we are gonna lose to them in the conference HELP!" A fan tweeted.

"Great pick up for the Lions. Takes the Hutchinson spot for the rest of the year and looks to be an even more dangerous front when Hutch is back next year. #sportcoin," a fan tweeted.

Why are the Lions trading for Za'Darius Smith?

After suffering a damaged tibia and fibula during the Detroit Lions' convincing 47–9 victory against the Dallas Cowboys last month, star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson underwent surgery to fix the injury on Oct. 13.

ESPN's Adam Schefter said that if the Lions make it that far, there is a reasonable chance that Hutchinson will make a comeback for the Super Bowl, but there's almost no chance he will make a comeback any moment before then.

Za'Darius Smith was immediately identified as a clear trade option for Detroit after the injury.

With only two wins this season, the Browns have begun to shed some of their more seasoned players, as evidenced by their Oct. 15 trade of Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills. They have followed that up by sending Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Lions for a fifth-round pick in 2025 and a sixth-rounder in 2026.

The Lions hope to maintain their dominance in the NFC division after a fantastic 7–1 start to the season, so this is a big move for them. Smith is on track to surpass his previous season's total of 5.5 sacks with five in nine games.

He will now play for his third NFC North team following stops with the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers earlier in his career.

Smith has played for the Baltimore Ravens, Packers, and Vikings throughout his ten-year career. The three-time Pro Bowler spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Browns.