ZA'DARIUS SMITH EXPECTED TO RE-SIGN WITH CLEVELAND BROWNS

Za'Darius Smith is expected to sign with the Cleveland Browns as early as Sunday, according to reporting on 16 August. The defensive end worked out for the team earlier in the week. Smith, who turns 34 in September, retired from the NFL in October 2024 after walking out on the Philadelphia Eagles midseason, then announced his retirement after an 11-year career.

The Browns have pursued Smith's return since July, viewing him as a primary target after failing to secure a deal with Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney signed with Houston instead on a one-year contract worth $5.5 million with potential incentives to reach $8 million. Smith previously spent two seasons with Cleveland, recording 10.5 sacks across 25 games in 2023 and 2024 before being traded to Detroit. Across his career, Smith has compiled 70.5 sacks, 343 tackles and 10 forced fumbles in 145 games across six franchises, including a peak of 13.5 sacks with Green Bay in 2019.

The Eagles released Smith from their reserve/retired list earlier in the year, clearing the path for his return to the league. Cleveland views the tryout as largely procedural rather than a full audition, with the focus now on formalising the contract rather than determining whether to pursue the reunion. The Browns' interest in bringing Smith back reflects the team's ongoing need for proven edge-rush depth.