What would it cost the Browns to keep their most expensive free agent for the 2024 season?
Cleveland Browns have a long time until they have to worry about stepping back on the gridiron for meaningful football. Still, the Browns have decisions coming up that will have an impact on their 24 season for better or for worse. One decision the Browns will be making is whether or not they want to […]
Cleveland Browns have a long time until they have to worry about stepping back on the gridiron for meaningful football.
Still, the Browns have decisions coming up that will have an impact on their 24 season for better or for worse.
One decision the Browns will be making is whether or not they want to pursue Za’Darius Smith for another season. It must be noted that he is their most expensive impending free agent.
Cleveland traded for Smith before last season to be the running mate with Myles Garrett for a season. It went well and the 5.5 sacks that Smith recorded did not show the impact that he truly had for the Browns.
It was a one-year outing that left Smith with another chance at a payday. According to our cap experts here at A to Z Sports, Smith is expected to get a deal in free agency of two years and 20 million.
Initially looking at it, the Browns will be able to afford a $10 million per year average if they wish. While the Browns are over the cap space right now, Cleveland is going to rework contracts to have all the money they wish to spend.
If the Browns bring back Smith, they have some very good depth behind with Ogbo Okoronkwo and Alex Wright. The two combined for 9.5 sacks and Wright had five of them. It was a big jump for Wright in year two after not having a sack as a rookie. Such a jump could make one wonder if Wright could be the future opposite of Garrett, it is going to be a talking point for them.
We will find out if the Browns decide to pay Smith in about a month or so. He’s going to be one of the better pass rushers on the market and holding out would limit his options at 31 years old. Cleveland can afford him and now we just wait and see.
3 free agents that the Browns can’t let get away
Cleveland would be wise to bring these guys back.
