Lions trade deadline updates: Aidan Hutchinson's replacement Za'Darius Smith secured after sparking speculation with deleted tweet

The Detroit Lions made the first move on Tuesday's NFL trade deadline. The team acquired pass rusher Za'Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns.

The Lions needed to acquire a pass rusher after Aidan Hutchinson fractured his fibula and tibia in October 2024. Ahead of the deadline, Smith was one of the top pass rushers available. He sent out a tweet, which he deleted, and it immediately drew attention.

However, after he deleted his tweet, NFL reporter Ian Rapoport reported that the Lions acquired Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick.

Za'Darius Smith was expected to be traded at the deadline as the star pass rusher is in the final year of his deal.

This season, Smith has recorded five sacks and 23 tackles. In his career, he's recorded 321 total tackles, 108 assist tackles, 65 sacks, and 10 forced fumbles.

Smith will be able to replace Hutchinson and if the former second-overall pick can return in the playoffs, it will serve as a solid boost to Detroit's defense.

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Detroit Lions updates: Aidan Hutchinson hopes to return if the Lions make the Super Bowl

Aidan Hutchinson went down with a leg injury in Week 6 during the third quarter of the 47-9 Dallas Cowboys victory on the road.

The injury likely ended Hutchinson's season, but the star pass rusher hopes to return in the Super Bowl. Lions coach Dan Campbell also doesn't rule out his return.

"I would never count Hutch out, ever," Campbell said, via ESPN. "So probably a long road, but I would never count him out, and I would say if anybody can make it back, it'd be him."

Following the injury, Aidan Hutchinson revealed he underwent surgery and is on the road to recovery.

"What's up y'all?" Hutchinson said, via Athlon Sports. "We are one week out from surgery. The first days were a little rough, but now we are on the road to recovery and just attacking each day. I want to thank all the kids that made me the videos. I want to thank all my teammates, all the fans, all the support over social media. It's been amazing, and I'm doing great. Just pushing through."

Before the injury, Hutchinson recorded 7.5 sacks and 19 tackles.

The Detroit Lions currently have the second-best odds of winning the Super Bowl at +450, implying an 18.2% chance.