Report> Dan Campbell shares his preliminary impressions on the trade of Za’Darius Smith…
In fact, Lions coach Dan Campbell was on local radio when it was announced that the Detroit Lions had reached an agreement to trade for Browns defensive end Za’Darius Smith. Campbell couldn’t really comment on the move during an appearance on the “Costa & Jansen with Heather” show on 97.1 The Ticket because it wasn’t official yet.
Well, doesn’t Ian (Rapoport) have all the answers? Campbell made a joke.
However, after the Lions made the deal public later that night, Campbell spoke with Dan Miller of FOX 2 Detroit and shared some preliminary opinions about Smith.
“Having him here is a positive thing. He is a savvy football player who can collapse the pocket, set an edge, and get an advantage in a hurry. He also adds a tough element, Campbell noted. “I think he will be a great complement to our guys and is just a really good piece.”
According to reports, the Lions were negotiating with the Browns as early as Week 7 in an attempt to acquire a player who could assist them following Aidan Hutchinson’s injury. Hutchinson led the NFL in pressures (45, according to PFF) and gave the Panthers 7.5 sacks in five games. Since then, Detroit’s defensive line has had difficulty producing any steady pressure. Josh Paschal, who got one sack against the Vikings, is the lone defensive lineman to record a sack in the last three games.
