Detroit Lions expected to acquire Za’Darius Smith in trade with Cleveland Browns

The Detroit Lions are looking to improve their passing game.

Injuries to Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport late in the season decimated the Lions’ defensive depth, prompting Brad Holmes to make a move at the position.

The Lions are expected to acquire Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns soon, according to a report from ProFootballTalk.

“Yes, the Lions and Browns have discussed a potential trade for cornerback Za’Darius Smith. This is expected to be more than just talk at this point,” wrote PFT’s Mike Florio. “According to a source familiar with the situation, Smith is currently expected to be traded to Detroit this evening or tomorrow.”

Smith has been linked to the Lions on the trade market in recent weeks. The defensive back has five sacks in eight games and 27 tackles this season.

Originally entering the league as a fourth-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2015, Smith played for four teams during his 10-year NFL career.

Smith, 32, is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and is familiar with the NFC North, having played three seasons with the Green Bay Packers and one with the Minnesota Vikings.

The veteran has previously said he would welcome a trade to the Lions, in part because it would give him the opportunity to play against his former teams twice a year.

Smith is under contract through 2025, meaning the Lions will have the option to use him next season in addition to the remainder of this year. His cap hit next season will be $9.433 million.

Hutchinson played at an elite level, leading many to believe he was an early contender for Defensive Player of the Year honors after racking up 7.5 sacks in his first five games. However, he suffered a season-ending leg injury during the team’s Week 6 win over Dallas.

The Lions initially plugged the hole left by his absence with depth players like Josh Pascal and James Houston. Veteran Al-Quadin Muhammad made his debut on the practice squad in Week 8, and the Cincinnati Bengals also added Isaiah Thomas as a practice squad player.

Davenport, meanwhile, has been sidelined since Week 3 with a torn triceps. Detroit lost another key piece of its defense in its Week 3 win over Arizona in linebacker Derrick Barnes, who also showed some edge rushing ability.