After firing Matt Eberflus following their Thanksgiving game against the Lions, the Bears focused on analyzing potential candidates, including Johnson, for the upcoming season.With the Lions’ play-caller approaching his third summer as a prospective head coach possibility, many have connected Johnson to the Chicago Bears.

It’s a fit that both makes sense and doesn’t.

Would Johnson want to work for owners like the McCaskeys, who have repeatedly made the Bears a laughing stock via terrible decision-making? Would Johnson want to remain in the NFC North after leaving the Lions? Both of these issues appear to explain why Johnson would not want to relocate to Chicago.

Johnson would have Caleb Williams at his disposal, a rookie quarterback who has made NFL history in his first season. Williams has made history in his debut season, while facing challenges from a dysfunctional Bears club.

At the end of the day, Johnson and the Lions offense performed admirably in what might be interpreted as an interview for Detroit’s offensive coordinator.

And, following one of the season’s most remarkable trick plays, Johnson’s Week 16 performance as a play-caller should have propelled him to the top of the Bears’ coaching ranks.

Dakota Zientek is an experienced associate editor at ClutchPoints, covering NFL, NCAA Football, and NFL Draft. The Iowa graduate has written for FanSided and the Pro Football Network.

Lions have reached an agreement with the Cleveland Browns to trade for DL Za’Darius Smith with guaranteed $605,000 in 2024 and potentially $11 million (though non-guaranteed) in 2025

Allen Park, Mich. Today, the Detroit Lions revealed that they had reached an agreement with the Cleveland Browns to exchange a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round draft pick for DL Za’Darius Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick. No further trade conditions were revealed.

Smith, who is in his tenth NFL season, has already recorded six tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, and 23 stops (15 solo). Before joining the Lions, he started all nine of the Browns’ games.

Smith was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round (122 overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Kentucky. He has played in 117 games (74 starts) and recorded 321 tackles (213 solo), 65.0 sacks, 82 tackles for loss, 10 forced fumbles, 15 pass defenses, and two fumble recoveries. Smith was selected to the Pro Bowl three times (2019, 2020, and 2022).

The implications of the Za’Darius Smith trade for the Browns and Lions

Detroit’s Lions are expected to receive assistance.

Sources have informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Detroit has agreed to trade for Cleveland Browns defensive end Za’Darius Smith, which will provide a much-needed boost to one of the NFL’s strongest teams in the pass-rush department.

Schefter has reported that Detroit will receive Smith and a 2026 seventh-round draft selection from the Browns in exchange for a 2025 fifth-rounder and a 2026 sixth-rounder.

The Lions will rely on Smith to fill the void in a committee approach after losing Pro Bowl edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson to a fractured tibia and fibula during a 47-9 victory over the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Week 6.

On a play in which he was rushing Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, Hutchinson sustained an injury to his left leg. Prior to his injury, he was considered a frontrunner for the Defensive Player of the Year award. He was the NFL’s leader in pass rush win rate, pressures, and sacks at the start of Week 6.

Lions coach Dan Campbell was conducting his normal weekly appearance on 97.1 The Ticket when the news of Smith’s transfer to Detroit was divulged. He was unable to corroborate the agreement in an official capacity while on the air, but he reaffirmed his confidence in general manager Brad Holmes.

“Man, I have faith in him.” He is aware of his actions, and if they prove successful, that is a wonderful outcome. Campbell stated on the “Costa & Jansen with Heather” program that “if it doesn’t, it doesn’t.” “However, the notion of transferring substantial capital to a player that none of us will appreciate is simply unappealing to any of us.”

Therefore, if it is logical, it is logical. If it does not, it does not; however, we will prevail with the resources at our disposal.

What are the implications of the trade for the Lions?

The Lions are committed to their pursuit of a Super Bowl title and sought to resolve one of their primary areas of concern, the pass rush, despite their impressive 7-1 start, their best since 1956.

Hutchinson had recorded 7.5 sacks in five games played. This season, the Lions’ defensive linemen have collectively recorded 6.5 sacks. Smith recorded 5.0 sacks for Cleveland this season, which would rank as the second most on the Lions (Alim McNeill has 2.5).

Campbell stated that they were investigating all potential candidates for the position prior to the trade deadline on Tuesday, but they were not placing any strain on anyone to perform at Hutchinson’s level.

“We will be unable to replace Hutch, but there are other actions we can take, and, you know what? In the aftermath of the Titans’ victory on October 28, Campbell stated, “You have to place a greater burden on your back end, and we have done so, and they have risen to the occasion.” “Has it been flawless?” No, but we are receiving takeout, which is significant.– Eric Woodyard

What are the implications of the trade for the Browns?

The Browns forfeit a leader and accomplished pass rusher in Smith, who has five sacks fewer than Myles Garrett this season.

Smith amassed 10.5 sacks and 27 quarterback hits in 25 games during his time in Cleveland. Smith is the second veteran that Cleveland has transferred in response to a disappointing start to the season. The Buffalo Bills acquired wide receiver Amari Cooper last month.

The Browns (2-7) lack depth at the defensive end position; however, Cleveland’s primary concern is the future. The departure of Smith will enable the team to assess and cultivate inexperienced players, including Sam Kamara, a practice squad player who received praise during training camp, and Isaiah McGuire, a 2023 fourth-round selection.– Daniel Oyefusi

In what ways does Smith contribute to the Lions’ defense?

Smith’s ability to make significant plays and prevail in one-on-one confrontations will be crucial for Detroit in the final stages of the season, beginning on Sunday night in Houston. In Week 15, the Lions will also host Buffalo, followed by a rematch of their 2023 NFC Championship Game against San Francisco in Week 17.

Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler with 65 career sacks, can also alleviate the burden on other players by attracting additional blockers. He offers a pass rush to a Lions line that is experiencing difficulty in pressuring the quarterback. The Lions have achieved a pass rush success rate of 30.6% in the three games that Hutchinson has been absent, which is the 26th-highest in the league during that time. The pressure rate decreased from 32% during the first six games of the season to 27% over the past two games, which were played against Tennessee and Green Bay. Additionally, the line generated one takedown.– Woodyard

What is the Browns’ next course of action?

The Browns embarked on the 2024 season with the expectation of a significant playoff run; however, they are currently in a precarious position, as they are on the brink of a top draft pick and have one of the eldest rosters in the NFL. In Week 1, Cleveland had the most players aged 30 years or older in the league, with 14.

The cap flexibility of quarterback Deshaun Watson is limited, as he sustained a season-ending right Achilles rupture in Week 7 after continuing to struggle in Cleveland. Watson will be subject to cap penalties of $72 million in each of the next two seasons.

Cheap draft choices are the sole alternative to rebuilding the roster, and the Browns have been accumulating them in anticipation of the 2025 draft. It is anticipated that Cleveland will receive a pair of late-round compensatory picks in addition to its nine selections in 2025. By trading additional veterans for low-cost contracts, the Browns could increase their surplus.– Oyefusi

Smith, was he the most optimal edge rusher available?

Yes, for Detroit.

It is evident that the Lions, who are currently in a championship window, prioritized production and pedigree. Smith possesses both.

The Lions are less concerned with his age (32), as he is not guaranteed any compensation in 2025. There were younger alternatives available on the market, such as Azeez Ojulari of the Giants, who is 24 years old. However, Smith was determined to remain in Detroit and he possesses the necessary fortitude. –Fowler

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