Kevin Stefanki had no comment on the report of a possible Za’Darius Smith trade

A report was published earlier today (here(coincidentally) that a trade of Browns defensive end Za’Darius Smith to the Lions would happen tonight or tomorrow.

After Cleveland’s loss to the Chargers, coach Kevin Stefanski was asked about the report.

“I have no comment on these things,” Stefanski told reporters.

Smith quickly left the locker room without talking to reporters. It can be interpreted however you want.

Teammate Myles Garrett had nothing to add.

“I have no idea,” Garrett told reporters. “I don’t look at the rumor mill or trade rumors. I’m just focusing on my job here and getting out of the hole we’re in and keeping these guys together. All the talk outside this team has nothing to do with me and nothing to do with us.”

Cornerback Denzel Ward praised Smith.

“Za’Darius is a great teammate,” Ward said. “A captain of this team, a leader of this team and a playmaker on the field. I love having Za’Darius on the field. One of my favorite additions to the team when he arrived. He’s a great player and a great guy in the locker room. I certainly appreciate Za’Darius. The player he is and the man he is.”

The deal isn’t done yet, and there’s no deal until it’s done. But everything pointed in that direction earlier today. And Smith has said he would like to move to Detroit because it would give him a chance to compete with two of his former teams: the Packers and Vikings.

But if another team makes a better offer, the Smith could end up elsewhere. At this point, it seems unlikely he will be with the Browns on Tuesday night.