The Browns are trading DE Za’Darius Smith to the Lions, who need help after Aidan Hutchinson’s injury, source tells AP

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns traded cornerback Za’Darius Smith to the Detroit Lions, who were looking for their next star player. Aidan Hutchinson’s leg injuryA person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

The Browns are already looking to rebuild. disappointing seasonsending Smith and a 2026 seventh-round draft pick to the Lions. In return, Cleveland will receive a fifth-round draft pick in 2025 and a sixth-round draft pick in 2026, the source said.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the teams had not announced the deal.

The teams agreed to the deal a few hours before 4 p.m. trading periodBut rumors of a Smith trade had been swirling for weeks as the Browns were in a tailspin and trying to acquire assets for what appeared to be another rebuild.

On the other hand, the Lions (7-1) are legitimate Super Bowl contenders and were looking to bolster their passing game after Hutchinson broke his leg Oct. 13 at game in Dallas.

After helping the Browns reach the playoffs last season, Smith signed a two-year contract worth $23 million. in March.

He was originally acquired by Cleveland in 2023 in a trade with Minnesota as the Browns brought him in to help Myles Garrett on offense. Smith did just that as the Browns went 11-6, earned a wild card spot, and Garrett was named AP Defensive Player of the Year.

But this season didn’t go as planned and the Browns may make other moves now that the postseason is no longer realistic.

Smith, 32, a three-time Pro Bowler, gives the Lions experience and a proven pass rusher. Smith has 65 career sacks, including five this season.

After Sunday loss to Los Angeles ChargersSmith was told there was a message that he would be heading to Detroit.

– Oh, did this happen? Smith told reporters. “See you”.

Now he returns to the NFC North after spending a year with the Vikings and three years with the Green Bay Packers. Smith was originally drafted in the fourth round of the 2015 draft by Baltimore and played four seasons with the Ravens.

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