The Cleveland Browns are on the verge of acquiring three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Za'Darius Smith, a significant move that is expected to strengthen their defensive line. This development comes after Smith's recent tryout with the team, signaling a potential boost to their pass-rushing capabilities for the upcoming season. His arrival is anticipated to create a formidable defensive front alongside existing talent.
Smith, who will celebrate his 34th birthday in early September, had initially declared his retirement from the NFL in October 2025. However, it appears his passion for the game has drawn him back to the field. Last season, while playing for the Philadelphia Eagles, Smith demonstrated his continued effectiveness by contributing 10 tackles, three quarterback hits, and 1.5 sacks across five games, with two starts.
Throughout his extensive career, Smith has accumulated impressive statistics. His career highlights include 70.5 sacks, 343 tackles, 10 forced fumbles, and 16 passes defended over 145 games, 98 of which he started. His journey in the NFL has seen him play for several prominent teams, including the Baltimore Ravens from 2015-2018, the Green Bay Packers from 2019-2021, the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, a prior stint with the Browns from 2023-2024, the Detroit Lions in 2024, and most recently, the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025.
Among his most notable seasons were his performances with the Green Bay Packers, where he recorded a career-high 13.5 sacks in 2019, followed by another stellar season in 2020 with 12.5 sacks. Smith's professional career began when he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, after a successful collegiate career at Kentucky.
This imminent signing is poised to significantly enhance the Browns' defensive unit. Smith's veteran presence, combined with his proven ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, makes him a valuable asset. He is set to join a pass rush group that already includes the recently acquired Jared Verse, along with promising players like Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire, forming a potent combination that could pose significant challenges for offensive lines across the league.
