CLEVELAND — With the NFL trade deadline less than 48 hours away, and the Browns currently sitting at the bottom of the league standings, there is speculation a number of Cleveland's players could be on the move.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Browns and Lions have discussed a potential deal that would send the former All-Pro defensive end to Detroit. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio only added to the rumors on Sunday, citing sources telling him that Smith "is expected" to be traded to the Lions as soon as tonight.
Following Cleveland's Week 9 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, head coach Kevin Stefanski was asked about Smith's potential departure from the club.
"I don't have any comments on those type of things," Stefanski responded.
Currently in his 10th season, Smith was a two-time Pro Bowler with the Green Bay Packers and earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2020. Following another Pro Bowl nod with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, the Browns acquired him prior to last season in a trade that involved late-round pick swaps, and his 5 1/2 sacks ended up being second only to Myles Garrett as part of the NFL's top-ranked defense.
A free agent in the offseason, Smith chose to re-sign with Cleveland on a two-year, $23.5 million contract, and through just nine games he's responded with six tackles for loss and five sacks. But while Smith has thrived, the Browns have floundered at 2-7, leaving many to wonder if a full-scale rebuild is needed.
In contrast to Cleveland, Detroit is on the rise, following up last year's NFC Championship Game appearance with a 6-1 start to the 2024 campaign. However, the Lions did lose Pro Bowl defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson to a season-ending injury back in Week 6, so Smith could help fill a major need up front.
Garrett was also asked about Smith's future with the Browns after Sunday's game. The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year had previously said he didn't want to see his teammate traded, but admits now he has "no idea" what will happen.
"I don't look into the rumor mill or trade rumors. I focus on my job here and getting this team out of the hole we're in and keeping these guys together," Garrett told reporters. "All the talk outside of this team has nothing to do with me and nothing to do with us."
Smith did not speak with the media following the game. The NFL trade deadline is scheduled for Tuesday at 4 p.m.
