5 Questions: What the Detroit Lions will get from the Za'Darius Smith trade

The Detroit Lions finally increased their depth on defense by trading Za'Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns. Based on last week's rumors, Smith was clearly Detroit's top and most realistic target.

But now that the move is actually complete, let's take a look at the player. We sent five questions to our friend Jared Mueller of Browns SB Nation blog Dawgs By Nature to learn how Smith played in Cleveland over the last season and a half.

This is what Müller says:

1. How much juice is left in Za'Darius Smith? Is he someone who can still win one-on-one consistently?

Müller: “Smith sometimes looks his age on the pitch but overcomes that with experience. The big unknown is whether Smith's production in recent years is largely due to being alongside Myles Garrett and Danielle Hunter? With the Browns, Smith was rarely chipped or double-teamed because most of the attention was on Garrett. Because of Garrett's presence and an overall strong defensive line, Smith was also able to move around the line to create better matchups. One-on-one with the second-best offensive lineman, Smith will put pressure on you.”

2. Run defense is crucial for the Lions. How has Smith fared there at this point in his career?

Müller: “Smith was a tough ox of a player and held down the strong defensive end spot in Cleveland. He can set the edge and take on double teams well. At 6-foot-10 and 270 pounds, Smith has enough bulk to be an important part of the Lions' run defense.”

3. People will naturally think that Smith is the beneficiary of having Myles Garrett on the other side. How much of Smith's production is due to this, how much is his own?

Müller: “As mentioned above, this question is difficult to answer. What we do know is that Jadeveon Clowney wasn't overly productive opposite Garrett, while Smith was able to make an impact. Lions fans expecting a Hutch replacement will be disappointed, Smith is nowhere near that level. Smith will provide a solid edge player for the rest of the season who doesn't make mistakes and puts pressure on the QB even if it doesn't result in sacks.”

4. What is Smith's character like? Hard worker? Good locker room guy? Seems like a “Dan Campbell” type?

Müller: “Prior to his arrival in Cleveland, there were reports of concerns in the locker room about Smith. Everyone loves “Z” on the Browns. His energy and work ethic were undeniable during his stay in Cleveland. Smith is not the quiet type at all and players are drawn to him. Campbell will look to add another voice to the locker room by getting on the same wavelength as Smith.”

5. What do you think about the trading conditions?

Müller: “When you consider everything, especially Smith's age and contract, the consideration is about what you would have expected. Fans will always hold their players in higher regard, but Smith didn't return next year and the Browns aren't going anywhere this season. If you ditch the 2026 pick swap, a fifth-round pick is a win for eight games this year (at least in Cleveland).”