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Browns Eyeing Potential Reunion With Former All-Pro Pass Rusher
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. The Cleveland Browns traded away two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett this offseason, a blockbuster move that sent shockwaves across the NFL . In the deal, they received ascending Pro Bowl talent Jared Verse, but they've been in the market for another elite pass rusher ever since. Recently, the Browns worked out three-time Pro Bowler Jadeveon Clowney before he ultimately chose to sign a one-year deal with the Houston Texans instead.
Now, they've worked out another veteran edge rusher: former All-Pro Za'Darius Smith, who spent two seasons in Cleveland from 2023 to 2024. Smith abruptly announced his retirement midseason last year while with the Philadelphia Eagles, but he has since un-retired and remains an active free agent.
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Smith may be 33 years old now, but he was once one of the NFL's fiercest pass rushers. He earned three Pro Bowl nods — two with the Green Bay Packers and another with the Minnesota Vikings — along with All-Pro honors in 2020 with Green Bay. That season, he racked up 52 total tackles, including 12 for loss, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and 12.5 sacks.
Across his two seasons in Cleveland, he posted 50 combined tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 27 quarterback hits, and 10.5 sacks. His production dipped in just five games with the Eagles last year, finishing with 10 tackles, two tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks — but he could still provide a reliable presence off the edge for an otherwise young Browns front seven.
The news comes less than 48 hours before the Browns preseason opener against the Chicago Bears on Saturday at Soldier Field. Following that, Cleveland will host two more preseason games against the Buffalo Bills (Saturday, Aug. 22) and New England Patriots (Thursday, Aug. 27).
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