Overview
- Reports from NFL reporter Ian Rapoport say the Browns conducted a workout with veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, though no signing has been announced.
- Smith told the Eagles he was retiring in October 2025 and spent the rest of that season on Philadelphia’s reserve/retired list, which the team removed him from in June 2026.
- The 11-year veteran has three double-digit sack seasons, three Pro Bowl nods and 70.5 career sacks, which helps explain why Cleveland is evaluating him.
- Smith’s recent contracts include a two-year, $23 million deal with the Browns (2024) and a one-year, $4.25 million deal with the Eagles before his 2025 retirement, giving teams a clear sense of his salary history and role expectations.
- If Cleveland signs Smith it would most likely add proven situational pass-rush depth rather than recreate the Garrett pairing, and his next steps will be watched closely for how they shape the Browns’ front seven this season.