Browns trade Za’Darius Smith to Lions

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - The Cleveland Browns have traded defensive end Za’Darius Smith to the Detroit Lions.

The Browns sent Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick to Detroit in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick.

Cleveland also released defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson, who had been a healthy scratch the past four weeks.

The Lions were in the market for a pass rusher after losing star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson to a season-ending let injury in Week 6 against the Cowboys.

Smith has registered 22 total tackles and five sacks for the Browns this season, and re-signed with the Browns on a two-year deal in March.