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NFL Trade Rumors: Browns DE Za’Darius Smith Absent from Practice Amid Trade Buzz

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Browns DE Za’Darius Smith Absent from Practice Amid Trade Buzz

Cleveland Browns DE Za’Darius Smith missed practice on Wednesday, fueling trade rumors surrounding the 10-year veteran. 

As whispers of change fill the air, Cleveland Browns defensive end Za’Darius Smith finds himself at the heart of swirling trade rumors. His absence at practice on Wednesday, unexpected and unexplained at first, only fueled speculation that the Browns could be considering moving their veteran pass-rusher before the Nov. 5 trade deadline.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Smith is one of the “hot names” circulating around the league, with Cleveland reportedly seeking a “really good Day 3 pick” in return. Initially absent from the Browns’ pre-practice injury report—a list that included guard Joel Bitonio and linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah—Smith’s unexpected absence kept Browns fans and analysts guessing. Later, the team cited illness as the reason, but it did little to quell the conversation.

At 32, Za’Darius Smith has brought experience and impact to Cleveland, recording a team-high five sacks this season. In a 10-year career filled with grit and grit, this latest chapter could hold yet another twist as trade talks continue and the clock on the deadline ticks down.

Keep up to date on all NFL trades with our Deadline Tracker! 

Possible Suitors For Za’Darius Brown

For the Detroit Lions, a new chapter in their Super Bowl pursuit was struck by the cruel hand of fate. Aidan Hutchinson, their electrifying star and relentless pass-rusher, suffered a devastating injury—a fractured fibula and tibia, an injury that will cost him the entire season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Hutchinson was more than a player; he was a symbol of the Lions’ rebirth, amassing 7.5 sacks and 17 quarterback hits in just five games. His presence alone was a force, a reminder of Detroit’s soaring hopes. Now, with the Lions perched atop the NFC at 6-1, their dreams of a Super Bowl are more alive than ever—but they’re missing a critical piece.

When head coach Dan Campbell was asked if a trade could be on the horizon, his response was as straightforward as it was telling: “It could be.”

Campbell didn’t elaborate, but his expression spoke volumes. The excitement, the readiness—it was there, unmistakable. For a team on the cusp of greatness, Campbell’s words feel like the edge of something big. At 6-1, Detroit has its eyes set squarely on the ultimate prize. And with Smith possibly joining their ranks, the Lions are gearing up to keep that momentum alive.

Smith’s Third Organization in Three Seasons?

He isn’t Hutchinson; few could fill that void. But Smith is a talent in his own right, a veteran with the tenacity, the drive, and the experience Detroit needs. For a team poised to rewrite history, Smith could be a lifeline, a way to keep the fire burning even in the face of loss.

When the Browns traded for Za’Darius Smith at the start of last season, it was a quiet move in the grand theater of NFL headlines. Cleveland received Smith, a sixth-round pick, and a seventh-round pick from Minnesota, giving up just two fifth-rounders in return.

It felt unassuming, almost routine. But Smith? He’s been anything but.

Last season, Smith logged five sacks — a number he’s nearly matched in just eight games this year. Over the summer, he committed to Cleveland with a two-year, $23.5 million deal, signaling that both he and the Browns believed in what he could bring. Now, he’s a name whispered in trade circles, a piece that could shift the balance of power for a contender.

For Cleveland, the deal was never just about picks and contracts. It was a gamble on a man who could redefine a season. Detroit will be looking for the same.