We’re tracking all credible Detroit Lions trade deadline news and rumors right here.
The 2024 NFL trade deadline is at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, and there has never been more anticipation for Detroit Lions fans than this year’s deadline. The Lions are not only in the midst of a Super Bowl run at 7-1 through eight games, but they’re obviously buyers at the deadline given their extreme need for help at defensive end.
This isn’t just about finding a productive player to fill Aidan Hutchinson’s role. The Lions have also lost the following defensive line/EDGE players to injured reserve stints: Marcus Davenport, John Cominsky, Derrick Barnes, David Bada, Nate Lynn, Brodric Martin, and Kyle Peko.
Detroit has been able to make do with players like Josh Paschal, Levi Onwuzurike, James Houston, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and Isaiah Thomas, but it’s clear that room needs an upgrade. The Lions aren’t even hiding it anymore. Several times, coach Dan Campbell has told the media that they are looking and need upgrades. This was just Monday—about 24 hours prior to the deadline.
“I can tell you we’re trying, (general manager) Brad’s (Holmes) trying, and we’ve looked at everything, we really have, made a ton of calls, and he’s been rolling on it,” Campbell said.
But Campbell also warned that it takes two to tango , and they’re prepared to find other ways to add talent, if necessary.
On this page, we’ll be providing the latest Lions trade deadline news and rumors. Stick to this page all Tuesday and keep hitting that refresh button.
Detroit Lions trade deadline news, rumors
- Azeez Ojulari, another EDGE that many believed the Lions were looking at, is reportedly not being traded, barring a last-minute move:
Barring a significant pivot by 4p Eastern, the #Giants will retain LB Azeez Ojulari. They’d made it clear they weren’t going to give him away and held firm. Ojulari (6 sacks, two short of his career-high) now heads down the home stretch of his contract toward free agency. pic.twitter.com/lA4xrGQQXS
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 5, 2024
Za’Darius Smith traded to the Lions
- Our Story
- Ian Rapoport is reporting the terms of the deal are the Lions get Smith and a 7th round pick in 2026, and are sending the Browns a 5th round pick in 2025 and a 6th round pick in 2026.
- Smith posted “SMH” to Twitter on Tuesday morning, but it has since been deleted.
[Editor’s note: Fun!]
- Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Lions and Brown “have been engaged in talks about a potential trade.” The Browns are reportedly looking for a fourth-round pick, but no one has jumped on that yet.
.@JFowlerESPN on Za’Darius
“From my understanding, the Browns have wanted an early Day 3 pick, maybe a fourth-round pick or so. Nobody’s budged on that yet but the Detroit Lions are looming. The Lions and Browns have been engaged in talks about a potential trade here.
— Jeremy Reisman (@DetroitOnLion) November 4, 2024
- Adam Schefter told Pat McAfee on Monday that he believes the Lions and Browns will eventually hammer out a deal, but that is not guaranteed.
“Could there be another team that steps in and offers (more)? Yes. Do I think ultimately the Browns and Lions will figure out a way to get it done? I do, but things change. You never know, but I think there have been enough conversations.”
“I think the Browns and Lions will figure out how to get a deal done for Za’Darius Smith..
There could be another team that steps in and there’s always teams that are checking in”@AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/VZ8zgaOBxi
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 4, 2024