Za’Darius Smith is so focused on helping the Cleveland Browns end their four-game break that he hasn’t paid any attention to trade rumors involving him. However, when he heard about a rumor that would send him to the Detroit Lions, his interest was piqued.

After Aidan Hutchinson broke both his tibia and fibula, the Lions explored options for a defensive end. Smith’s name has surfaced in various reports as a potential trade target for Detroit.

“I didn’t even know about it,” Smith told The Chronicle-Telegram on Thursday.

The three-time Pro Bowler, who is just a few seasons removed from a 10-sack season, would certainly provide a boost to the Lions’ defensive line as they look to return to the NFC title game and punch a ticket to their first Super Bowl.

Although the Lions are not ruling Hutchinson out for this season, the recovery time from his injury is four to six months. Should the Lions reach the Super Bowl, which takes place in February, there’s a chance the third-year defensive end could return and potentially play alongside Smith if Detroit acquires him.

“It’s a shame an injury happened to him, a guy who was on his way to potentially being Defensive Player of the Year,” Smith said of Hutchinson. “This is a big loss for them.

“But if I went to Detroit, I would like it because I get to play Green Bay twice a year and the Vikings twice a year. So, yeah, it’s going to be big.”

Smith, who entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick of the Ravens in 2015, had stints with the Packers and Vikings after leaving Baltimore.

In 2019, Smith signed a four-year, $66 million contract with the Green Bay Packers, where he earned his first two Pro Bowl selections and second-team All-Pro honors.

He then signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, where he earned his final Pro Bowl selection.

According to his comments, the prospect of Smith moving to the Lions could be seen as a vendetta for the 32-year-old. Although he knows the possibility of joining Detroit is beyond his control, that thought is on his mind now.

“I’m staying positive, but now that you say that, maybe things are looking good for me, feeling good,” Smith said.

In six games this season, Smith has recorded 16 total tackles and three sacks.

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