The Cleveland Browns started the NFL legal tampering period by bringing back one of their own. Jordan Schultz reported that Pro Bowl Za’Darius Smith is returning to the Browns on a two-year, 23.5 million-dollar deal with an upside of 25 million.
Pro Bowl Edge Za’Darius Smith is going back to the Browns on a 2 yr, $23.5m base deal, with upside to $25m.
Deal negotiated by @ErikBurkhardt of @RocNationSports
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 11, 2024
Cleveland Browns Bring Back Za’Darius Smith
Smith was traded to the Browns last May and spent one season with the team, logging 5.5 sacks in 16 games. Smith gets to share the defensive line with one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL, Myles Garrett, so Smith gets freed up a little bit more just knowing teams have to send two to three guys at Garrett.
Smith will turn 32 at the start of the regular season, so he is a little older for a defensive edge, but he did bring a tremendous presence to the defense and culture last season.
The Browns Up and Coming Defense
The defense took a huge step forward last season, primarily due to the new defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, and Smith, who was also a significant addition to the team.
Smith is entering his tenth season in the NFL, having played for the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings.
Browns Don’t Have To Worry About Their Number Two Pass Rusher
The Browns usually go into the NFL offseason trying to find their number two pass rusher. For a few years now, they have signed a veteran to a one-year deal like Jadeveon Clowney in 2021 and 2022, and of course, the one-year deal Smith was on last season.
The Browns still need to find another pass rusher in the NFL Draft this April, but bringing Smith back is a nice little win for the organization.