The Browns sale continues; Za’Darius Smith traded to Lions for Day 3 pick – News-Herald

Another veteran expected to help lead the Browns to a Super Bowl contending season will wear a different uniform next time around.

The Browns sent 32-year-old cornerback Za’Darius Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick to the Detroit Lions for a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 pick around 9 a.m. on Nov. 5, seven hours before the trade deadline. Sixth round pick.

Last month, general manager Andrew Berry traded wide receiver Amari Cooper and a 2025 sixth-round draft pick for a 2025 third-round draft pick and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick.

The Browns are 2-7 and in last place in the AFC North standings. They and the Jets (3-6) are two of the most disappointing teams in the NFL this season, but the Jets have a glimmer of hope for a playoff spot. The Browns don’t do that, as evidenced by trading two starters for draft picks.

The Bills are 7-2 and have a four-game lead over the Jets in the AFC East. The Bills believe they can reach the Super Bowl. Cooper has five catches for 69 yards and one touchdown in two games with Buffalo. He’s day-to-day with a wrist injury that kept him out of action against the Dolphins on Nov. 3.

The 7-1 Lions also have the Super Bowl on their minds. They lead the Vikings by one game in the NFC North. Smith fills the defensive void left when Aidan Hutchinson broke his leg against the Cowboys on Oct. 13.

Smith led the Browns in sacks with five until Nov. 3, when Myles Garrett sacked Chargers cornerback Justin Herbert three times. Smith played 29 snaps (51 percent) against the Chargers. He was credited with one tackle and hit on Herbert. Smith has 26 quarterback pressures.

Smith trade rumors surfaced over the weekend. Smith was in his second season with the Browns. His Browns teammates hoped the rumors were false.

“Z is my brother, man,” said guard Juan Thornhill. “He means a lot. Everyone will feel it if he leaves here. It will hurt.

“He brings a lot of energy. He’s one of the leaders on our defense, but I wish him nothing but the best. It will be hard. It’ll be hard to lose a guy like that.”

Smith has started all nine games for the Browns this season. Ogbo Okoronkwo is expected to take Smith’s place in the starting lineup.

The Browns now have nine picks in the 2025 draft – their own picks in rounds 1-4 and 6, plus the Bills’ third-round pick, the Lions’ fifth-round pick, the Bears’ sixth-round pick and the Vikings’ pick ” sixth round pick.