Browns expected to sign Za'Darius Smith
Cleveland is expected to bring veteran edge rusher Za'Darius Smith back as early as Sunday, adding a proven pass rusher to a front that has been rebuilding this summer.
The Browns are expected to re-sign edge rusher Za'Darius Smith as early as Sunday, with Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reporting the move after Smith worked out for the team earlier this week.
Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot): #Browns are expected to re-sign edge rusher Za'Darius Smith as early as today; DT Mike Hall Jr. is on the mend and more: ---> https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2026/08/browns-could-re-sign-zadarius-smith-by-sunday-mike-hall-jr-on-the-mend-mary-kay-cabot.html
The move was surfaced by the league-wide wire on Sunday morning, with Smith's return to Cleveland marking a homecoming of sorts. He spent time with the Browns in 2023 and the first half of 2024, posting 10.5 sacks in 25 games before being traded to the Lions.
Smith signed with the Eagles last September but announced his retirement in October, and Philadelphia released him from the reserve/retired list earlier this year. The three-time Pro Bowler has also played for the Ravens, Packers and Vikings while compiling 70.5 career sacks.
Cleveland has been reshaping its pass rush after trading Myles Garrett to the Rams earlier this summer, and adding Smith would give the unit a proven veteran presence as the season approaches.