The challenges and triumphs behind Detroit’s midseason edge rusher acquisition.
A Season-Changing Necessity
When Detroit Lions’ defensive cornerstone Aidan Hutchinson suffered a devastating injury in Week 6, the urgency to find a capable edge rusher skyrocketed. With the team poised for a legitimate Super Bowl run, Lions general manager Brad Holmes found himself navigating one of the most challenging acquisition processes of his career to secure Za’Darius Smith.
Smith, who started the season with the Cleveland Browns, quickly emerged as an ideal fit for Detroit’s defense. His reputation as a dominant veteran rusher made him a prized target, and when asked about a potential trade to the Lions, Smith showed clear interest.
After weeks of speculation, the Lions finalized the deal on November 5, trade deadline day. The trade brought Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick to Detroit, while the Lions sent Cleveland a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick.
Brad Holmes Reflects on the Challenge
Speaking during his season-ending press conference, Holmes called the acquisition of Smith “the most difficult player acquisition journey I’ve ever dealt with.” For a general manager who has experienced his share of high-stakes decisions, the statement speaks volumes about the complexities he faced.
Holmes highlighted the hurdles that came with targeting a high-impact player in such a competitive market. “When teams knew we were in the market for an edge rusher, leverage went way down,” Holmes explained. He also pointed out the limited availability of quality players, saying, “You can look at all these names of starting defensive ends, but when you start making the calls, that list shrinks quickly.”
Adding to the difficulty was the timing of the NFL’s trade deadline. Holmes noted that many teams were hesitant to part with even their third- and fourth-string edge rushers. “They’d say, ‘We’ve got two-plus months of football left, and if I trade you one and get another injury, we’re short,’” Holmes shared.
Why Za’Darius Smith Was the Right Choice
Despite the obstacles, Holmes remained steadfast in his pursuit of Smith, who he described as one of a “small handful” of players available who could make a starter-level impact. Smith’s leadership, experience, and pass-rushing ability made him a critical addition to the Lions’ roster.
The deal, however, wasn’t finalized until the morning of the trade deadline, underscoring the level of persistence and negotiation required to bring Smith to Detroit. Holmes’ efforts ultimately paid off, and the addition of Smith helped the Lions bolster their defense as they pushed toward their postseason goals.
Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead
Holmes’ transparency about the difficulties of acquiring Smith provides a rare glimpse into the challenges general managers face in building competitive teams. It also highlights the level of commitment within the Lions organization to take bold steps in pursuit of a championship.
As Holmes noted, the process tested his resilience and decision-making skills, but the outcome was worth the effort. “When we got Za’Darius, we felt he could compete and contribute at a starter level,” he said.
While the trade for Smith was a grueling journey, it reinforced Holmes’ determination to make the Lions a legitimate contender. With Smith now an integral part of the defense, the Lions can continue their pursuit of excellence in the seasons to come.
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