Three-Time Pro Bowler Za’Darius Smith Resigns with the Browns
It has been announced that nine-year veteran Za’Darius Smith has resigned with the Browns on a two-year deal worth about 23 and a half million dollars. After being traded in May 2023 from the Vikings to the Browns, Smith entered last season looking to make a formidable impact on the Browns’ defense. However, Smith was limited in his productivity, as he only compiled 5.5 sacks and 27 total tackles. Despite his down year last season, Smith remains a fierce edge rusher, as he has made himself one of the NFL’s most prowess individuals at sacking quarterbacks and disrupting other teams’ offenses. The three-time Pro Bowler will look to get back to his edge rushing ways after signing with the Browns again for the upcoming season.
Smith, 31, started his collegiate career at East Mississippi Community College for two years, prior to transferring to the University of Kentucky. In his two seasons at East Mississippi, Smith gathered 66 tackles and 11 sacks. After transferring, Smith started all 12 games in his freshman season at Kentucky, tallying 59 tackles and six sacks for seventh-place results in the SEC. In his senior season, Smith recorded 60 total tackles and 4.5 sacks for the Wildcats. The NFL took notice of Smith’s potential to make an impact, as the Baltimore Ravens drafted Smith in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Smith, who has spent his nine-year career with the Ravens, Packers, Vikings, and Browns, has accumulated 60 sacks, 298 total tackles, and ten forced fumbles.
In 16 games played last season with the Browns, Smith finished the season with 27 total tackles, five and a half sacks, and one forced fumble. In a Week Six 39-38 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, Smith put together his best game of the season, as he accumulated four tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble for the Browns’ defense. The 2020 Second-team All-Pro would have another impressive performance versus the Houston Texans in Week 16, as he recorded two tackles and two sacks. After securing his next contract for the 2024-25 season, Smith will continue his offseason efforts toward returning to his formidable pass-rushing abilities.
