Cleveland Browns’ potential roster addition might soon be spoiled by Kevin Stefanski’s team
The Cleveland Browns have interest in signing EDGE Za’Darius Smith, but a wrench may have been thrown into those plans.
The Cleveland Browns have been searching for veteran pass rush help all summer, and their latest target now has a new potential suitor.
Za’Darius Smith, the 33-year-old pass rusher looking to play his 12th NFL season, worked out for the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, throwing a possible wrench into Cleveland’s plans to bring back a familiar face.
The Browns have shown the most interest in Smith recently, who initially retired five games into the 2025 season. Cleveland was interested in reuniting with Jadeveon Clowney, but he took a deal with the Houston Texans. That left Smith as the primary veteran pass rush target for a roster still looking to shore up depth before the 53-man cutdown following the preseason.
Falcons emerge as competition for Za’Darius Smith
The move to bring in Smith for a workout signals mutual interest between Smith and the Falcons, and it’s worth noting the irony: former Browns coach Kevin Stefanski now leads Atlanta’s operation, and his new team could block Cleveland from landing a player the Browns clearly want.
Smith isn’t the dominant force he once was. He recorded nine sacks in 2024 split between nine games with the Browns and eight games with the Detroit Lions, but he was noticeably a different player in 2025 with the Philadelphia Eagles. At soon to be 34 years old, Smith is a depth pass rush option rather than a game-changer capable of pushing double-digit sacks.
Over 11 NFL seasons, Smith has suited up for the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Browns, Lions, and Eagles. His time in Cleveland spanned 25 games, during which he recorded 50 tackles and 10.5 sacks.
Cleveland still has a few roster spots to address before finalizing its 53-man group, and pass rusher remains near the top of the list. The Browns had been the only team to show serious interest in Smith until the Falcons entered the picture.
Time will tell whether Smith ends up back in Cleveland or lands in Atlanta with his former coach. The coming days should provide clarity, but the Browns may need to pivot if Stefanski’s Falcons close a deal first.
