Dallas Cowboys Eye Trade for Mazi Smith as Detroit Lions Contemplate Defensive Depth
Mazi Smith’s tenure with the Dallas Cowboys appears to be nearing its end. The former first-round draft pick has struggled to make a significant impact since joining the team, and his situation worsened when he was a healthy scratch during the Cowboys’ season opener. With expectations dwindling, it seems unlikely that Smith will see substantial playing time in Week 2, as owner and general manager Jerry Jones indicated the team would maintain the same lineup strategy.
Imminent Split with Dallas
The notion of a parting between Smith and the Cowboys seems all but certain. Analysts, including Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, have begun speculating on potential trade scenarios for the beleaguered defensive lineman. One proposed trade has the Cowboys moving Smith to the Detroit Lions, a team currently grappling with injury woes along their defensive front.
Proposed Trade Details
In this hypothetical deal, the Cowboys would send Smith to Detroit in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Given Smith’s current status and performance, securing even a conditional sixth-round selection would be viewed as a positive outcome for Dallas.
Lions’ Defensive Needs
However, the question remains: would the Lions be willing to make this move? Detroit finds itself in a tight spot after losing defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike for the season due to a knee injury, along with Alim McNeill, who is not expected to return until Week 5 while recovering from a torn ACL suffered last December. The Lions are in need of additional depth on the defensive line, but it’s uncertain if Smith would be the answer.
Detroit would have to assess whether Smith represents a better option than current players like Roy Lopez, Pat O’Connor, and Mekhi Wingo. Given Smith’s struggles, it’s likely that the Lions would require further injuries to their roster before considering a trade for him.
Conclusion
As the Cowboys continue to evaluate their roster and Smith’s future, the clock is ticking on a potential deal. The landscape could shift quickly in the NFL, especially for a team like the Lions, who are looking to bolster their defensive capabilities amid injury challenges. As the situation evolves, both franchises will be watching closely to see if a trade becomes a reality.
