The Detroit Lions have bolstered their defense by acquiring veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns. This move comes after Aidan Hutchinson's injury left a significant gap in their pass rush. The Lions traded a 2025 fifth-round and a 2026 sixth-round pick for Smith, who has been a top performer with five sacks this season.

Despite recent victories, the Lions struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks without Hutchinson, who was leading the league in sacks before his injury. The Lions are also dealing with other defensive injuries, adding to their challenges this season.