Eric Hartline-Imagn Images We chatted with Jared Mueller of Browns blog Dawgs By Nature to get his perspective on the Detroit Lions’ trade for Za’Darius Smith. The Detroit Lions finally added to their defensive end room by trading for Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns. Smith was clearly Detroit’s top and most realistic target based on the rumors from the last week. But now that the move is actually getting done, let’s dive into the player. We sent five questions to our friend Jared Mueller of Browns SB Nation blog Dawgs By Nature to see how Smith has been playing in Cleveland for the past 1.5 seasons. Here’s what Mueller has to say: 1. How much juice is left in Za’Darius Smith? Is he someone who can still consistently win one-on-ones? Mueller: “Smith looks his age on the field at times but overcomes that with experience. The big unknown is whether or not Smith’s production has been primarily due to being next to Myles Garrett and Danielle Hunter the last couple of years? With the Browns, Smith has rarely been chipped or double-teamed because most of that attention has gone to Garrett. Smith has also been able to move around on the line to hunt better matchups because of the presence of Garrett and a stout defensive line overall. When one-on-one with the second-best offensive lineman, Smith will get you pressure.” 2. Run defense is essential to the Lions, how has Smith held up there at this point in his career? Mueller: “A strong ox of a player, Smith held down the strongside defensive end spot in Cleveland. He can set the edge and take on double teams properly. At 6-foot-4 and 270 pounds, Smith has enough bulk to be an important piece of the Lions run defense.” 3. People will naturally think Smith is the beneficiary of having Myles Garrett on the other side. How much of Smith’s production is because of that, how much is his own? Mueller: “As noted above, this question is a hard one to answer. What we do know is that Jadeveon Clowney was not hyper-productive across from Garrett while Smith has been able to make an impact. Lions fans expecting a Hutch replacement will be disappointed, Smith is nowhere near that level. A solid edge player who doesn’t make mistakes and will get pressure on the QB, even if it doesn’t lead to sacks, is what Smith will provide the rest of the season.” 4. What is Smith’s character like? Hard worker? Good locker room guy? Seem like a “Dan Campbell” guy? Mueller: “Prior to his arrival in Cleveland, there were reports of concerns about Smith in the locker room. With the Browns, everyone loves “Z.” His energy and work ethic were unquestioned while in Cleveland. Smith is not the quiet type at all and players are drawn to him. Campbell will seek to add another voice in the locker room by getting on the same page with Smith.” 5. What are your thoughts on the trade terms? Mueller: “Given everything, especially Smith’s age and contract, the picks in return are about what should have been expected. Fans will always value their players higher but Smith was not returning next year and the Browns are going nowhere this season. Throwing out the swap of picks in 2026, a fifth-round pick this year for eight games (at least in Cleveland) is a win.”