NFL trade rumor: Detroit Lions trade for Browns DE Za'Darius Smith

According to ProFootballTalk, the Detroit Lions are expected to complete a trade with Cleveland Browns defensive end Za'Darius Smith. This is how NFL reporter Mike Florio worded his report verbatim:

Yes, the Lions and Browns have discussed a possible trade for defensive end Za'Darius Smith. At this point, it's expected to be more than just talk.

According to a source familiar with the situation, it is currently expected that Smith will be traded to Detroit this evening or tomorrow.

Smith has been at the forefront of rumors about the Lions' pursuit of defensive line help following Aidan Hutchinson's injury at the end of the regular season. Smith was even asked about a possible move to Detroit, and the 32-year-old defenseman said he really likes landing with the Lions.

“But if I went to Detroit, I would like it because I get to play Green Bay twice a year and the Vikings twice a year,” Smith said a few weeks ago. “So, yeah, this is going to be big.”

Smith is in his 10th NFL season. So far in eight games, Smith has 5.0 sacks, 22 tackles and a PFF rating of 71.7.

For now, we're calling this a rumor since Florio is the only source for this story and the deal is clearly not done yet – even after his admission. With the Cleveland Browns trailing by three points at 2:20 p.m. ET on Sunday en route to a potential 2-7 start to the season, expect them to be sellers ahead of Tuesday's deadline become.