Is it feasible for the Browns to retain defensive end Za’Darius Smith…….
Za’Darius Smith leads a lengthy roster of Browns free agents this offseason, but whether they can afford to retain the experienced pass rusher remains uncertain. As Browns general manager Andrew Berry emphasized in his end-of-season press conference, change is a constant in the NFL. Cleveland confronts significant offseason changes with a plethora of impending free agents and critical decisions looming on the horizon. While reshaping the defensive line was a top priority for Berry last year, retaining Smith, who is now set to enter free agency, poses a financial challenge given the team’s hefty salary cap obligations.
Smith stands among the top edge rushers in a competitive free agent class, headlined by former Vikings teammate Danielle Hunter, who is coming off a standout season. Despite a slight decline in his statistics compared to younger counterparts like Chase Young, Smith remains a formidable player, especially when paired with Myles Garrett. His consistent performance over the past seasons aligns him with elite edge rushers in the league, indicating his potential market value.
For the Browns, the decision to bring back Smith hinges on financial maneuvering by Berry to alleviate salary cap constraints. While Smith’s fit within the team’s culture may work in Cleveland’s favor, Berry must also consider other free agents and areas requiring roster reinforcement. Ultimately, the Browns may explore alternative options to complement Garrett’s defensive prowess, suggesting that Smith’s return is not guaranteed.
