Latest trade rumor proves Za'Darius Smith still can't stop thinking about Packers

Former Green Bay Packers edge-rusher Za'Darius Smith could be on the move again.

With the Cleveland Browns' season effectively over, it makes sense for pass-rush-needy teams to pick up the phone and see what it would take to trade for the former Pro Bowler. Some analysts have even urged the Packers to join that conversation.

Would Smith fit the Green Bay's new-look defense? While his pass-rush ability would help a unit that has needed a boost (well, until Week 7), his inconsistent run defense could become an issue.

It doesn't mean a division rival won't make a deal, though. According to Brad Stainbrook of 247Sports, the Detroit Lions are among the teams that have called the Browns about a potential deal for Smith. It makes sense after losing superstar Aidan Hutchinson for the season, as Smith could help fill the void.

Smith sounds keen on the move, and he even name-dropped the Packers.

Za'Darius Smith is still out for revenge on the Packers

Smith left Green Bay over two years ago but still seems to want revenge on his former team. He spent one season with the Minnesota Vikings and made one sack and two quarterback hits against the Packers. Apparently, that wasn't enough.

It's not just the Packers, either. It now sounds like he would like a revenge game against the Vikings, too.

"But if I was to go to Detroit, I would like it, because I get to play Green Bay twice a year and the Vikings twice a year. So, yeah, that'll be big," Smith told Scott Petrak of The Chronicle-Telegram.

His answer wasn't about the possibility of joining a Super Bowl contender. It wasn't even about what an honor it would be to play for the Lions. Instead, he'd like it because he could play against the Packers and Vikings? OK, then.

There's no doubt the 32-year-old can still rush the passer. He has four sacks and five quarterback hits in seven games for the Browns this season. Smith stepped up in big moments during his time with the Packers, and he could make a similar impact for the Lions without Hutchinson. The question is his run defense.

This season, Smith has PFF's 10th-highest pass-rush grade among edge defenders, but he is just 117th in run defense.

A return to the NFC North is a possibility for Smith, and you can bet he would have the Packers and Vikings games circled on his calendar.

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