Top prospective trade target appears to be attempting to catch the Lions’ attention with Aidan Hutchinson’s claim

As the Detroit Lions consider acquiring an edge rusher, an easily identified target appears to be attempting to capture their attention.

The Detroit Lions are in the market for an edge rusher; it appears to be a matter of when a trade is done and who that new player will be. The ship has all but sailed on particularly high-profile, expensive choices, if they were ever considered at all.

The Detroit Lions have allegedly inquired about Cleveland Browns edge rusher Za’Darius Smith. The 32-year-old makes a lot of sense on all fronts, and when his name was linked to the Lions a few weeks ago, Smith was questioned about the possibility of moving to Detroit.

“Hate that injury happened to him, a guy that was on his way to get Defensive Player of the Year possibly,” Smith said, regarding Aidan Hutchinson. “That’s a big loss for them. But if I was to go to Detroit, I would like it, because I get to play Green Bay twice a year and the Vikings twice a year. So, yeah, that’ll be big.”

Za’Darius Smith seems to be trying to get the Lions’ attention

Smith has spent the entire season among Pro Football Focus’ top 40 edge defenders (he is now ranked 37th with Week 8 nearly over). He has five sacks on the season, including one in each of the last two games.

Smith has also had 14 QB pressures in the last two games, after being so open about being moved to the Lions. On Sunday, against one of his previous clubs (the Baltimore Ravens), he had a season-high nine pressures. Coincidence? Maybe, but Colton Pouncy of The Athletic saw the irony in Smith’s recent increase in putting pressure on the quarterback.

The Browns, who are at 2-6, are still likely to sell around the trade deadline, and Smith stands out as one of their best trade assets. Despite his open comments about perhaps joining the Lions, he did not intend to leave the Browns at a poor period, as he was anticipated to declare publicly.

Professional athletes should constantly be intrinsically motivated to do their best, no matter what. However, they are also human. Smith’s latest surge could be a clear signal to teams looking for an edge rusher, with the trade deadline just over a week away. The Lions are clearly in the mix, and they may be at the top of Smith’s chosen destinations if he is moved.