The Cleveland Browns are expected to sign three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Za'Darius Smith to a deal. Smith played for the Browns previously from 2023 to 2024.
The 33-year-old pass rusher spent the 2025 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, appearing in five games, recording 10 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks.
While Smith is no longer the Pro Bowler he once was, he is still a quality contributing pass rusher. In his one-and-a-half seasons with the Browns, Smith finished with 50 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.
He could be a solid rotational pass rusher for Cleveland after trading away two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams.
Garrett is the best defensive player in the league and is coming off a historic season, setting the sack record with 23. The 30-year-old also had 60 total tackles, 33 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and a pass deflection.
While the Browns can't replace Garrett's production, they can still have one of the best pass rushers in the league. Cleveland did acquire Jared Verse in the trade, who is among the top young edge rushers, as he had 58 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and a pass deflection.
Graham will also be a key piece on the defensive line for the Browns, as they selected him with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. In his rookie campaign, Graham finished with 49 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, and four pass deflections.
Outside of the defensive line, Cleveland has other talented defensive pieces, including reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger and five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward.
Schwesinger established himself as one of the best linebackers in the league, posting 156 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three pass deflections, and two interceptions. Ward is also coming off a great year, recording 39 total tackles, two tackles for loss, nine pass deflections, and an interception.
Despite trading away Garrett, the Browns still have an elite defense, and their pass rush is adding more depth with the signing of Smith.