The Cleveland Browns are entering the 2025 campaign without many expectations. Their quarterback situation is a major question mark, and there are several other holes across their roster. One position that should not be a weakness is defensive end since the team has Myles Garrett at their disposal. That isn’t the case, though, as Cleveland has very little help at this spot behind Garrett.
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While the Browns benefit from entering the season with the expectation that they will be arguably the worst team in the league, they would understandably like to field as good a team as possible. With that in mind, the team was recently urged to go out and reunite with Za’Darius Smith, a three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher, in free agency.
Browns Urged to Sign Za’Darius Smith
On paper, the Browns have the makings of a strong defensive line. Garrett is one of the best defenders in the league, and Cleveland just used the No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on defensive tackle Mason Graham, who will be working alongside the veteran Maliek Collins. The problem is that the other defensive end spot is a pretty big hole for the team right now.
With training camp rolling around, 2023 fourth-round pick Isaiah McGuire appears to have the inside track for the starting job, but he hasn’t done much to stand out through the first two seasons of his career. The Browns could give him a shot to realize his potential, but if they want to improve the talent level of their team immediately, they could pivot towards a guy like Smith.
Cleveland traded Smith to the Detroit Lions midway through the 2024 campaign, but to this point, he’s yet to find a new home. Smith racked up a combined nine sacks during his time with the Browns and Lions last season, proving that even as he enters his age-33 season, he’s still got some gas left in the tank. With a partner for Garrett needed, Barry Shuck of Dawgs By Nature believes the front office should bring Smith back to town.
“The Browns got some solid production from Smith, who is a proven player and already familiar with Schwartz’s defense, and would be plug-and-play-and-produce,” Shuck wrote. “He already knows the defense and the coaches. There isn’t a new scheme to learn or different terminology. If Cleveland signed Smith, what would they have to do? Fit him for a jersey.”
Should the Browns Sign Za’Darius Smith in Free Agency?
GettyFormer Cleveland Browns defensive end Za’Darius Smith.
Through 10 seasons in the league, Smith has racked up 69 total sacks, earning Pro Bowl selections in 2019, 2020, and 2022, while also earning All-Pro Second Team honors in 2020. Even as he’s begun to turn into more of a pass-rush specialist, Smith has remained productive, and his presence alone could help free up Garrett on the other side of the field.
Whether or not Cleveland would want to bring Smith back to town largely depends on what they want to accomplish in 2025. If they intend on trying to remain competitive, signing Smith makes sense. But if they want to see what their younger players are capable of, they could pass on him and see what they already have on their hands. The front office has a decision to make, and it will be interesting to see if they make a play for Smith once training camp rolls around.
