Za’Darius Smith joined the Browns on a one-year agreement last offseason. He will remain in Cleveland moving forward rather than testing the market.
The veteran edge rusher has agreed to a new deal with the Browns, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports. The two-year pact has a base value of $23.5MM, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network adds. Smith can earn up to $25MM on his next contract.
Meanwhile, the Browns have also re-upped defensive tackle Maurice Hurst, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Hurst will receive up to $3.2MM on his one-year deal.
After compiling at least 10 sacks in his three most-recent healthy seasons, Smith caught on with the Browns for the 2023 campaign. He didn’t put up the same numbers in Cleveland but was still productive, finishing with 5.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, and 20 QB hits.
While the counting stats dropped, Pro Football Focus still considered Smith one of the best edge rushers in the league. The 31-year-old finished the season ranked 16th among 112 qualifying edge defenders, with the site only knocking him for the run defense. The Browns were also clearly happy with Smith’s production, as the team can now pencil him into the depth chart for the next two years.
The former fourth-round pick spent his first four seasons in the NFL with the Ravens before a three-year stint in Green Bay that saw him earn a pair of Pro Bowl nods. He spent the 2022 campaign in Minnesota.
Hurst also emerged as a dependable defender during his first season in Cleveland. The defensive tackle got into 13 games for the Browns, finishing with 22 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He didn’t start a game last season but still managed to appear in close to 40 percent of his team’s defensive snaps.
Good Flippin News!!
I completely agree. I’m not sure how much Smith has in the tank, his production was not consistent last season, but there moments last year when he really shined. They may have overpaid him a little to keep him, but not too bad. Hurst was a guy I thought the Browns had to re-sign. He was very productive when he did play. I’m looking forward to seeing more of him playing for the Browns.
I read somewhere that although Smith’s sack numbers were down, he was a top 15 in pressure rate. That pressure had a lot to do with the Browns success on 3rd down
Interesting point about quarterback pressures. That may be correct. It did seem like Smith had his moments last season, I guess mostly not leading to sacks, but putting pressure on the quarterback can be just as effective. This isn’t a horrible contract, worth the risk to see what he’s got left.
Plus he’s familiar with Schwartz’s system. I expect, barring injuries, the defense will be better next year. Hopefully on the road
Wasn’t Maurice Hurst supposed to be a top 10 pick? I’m glad to see he’s made a little career for himself
Yeah if I remember correctly he had a heart issue that got discovered at the combine. He was really good when he played last year but missed time with some other injuries. I’m glad he’s back though.
He’s actually been pretty good when he’s played, he looked really good with the 49ers early on, but he just continues to get hurt and cannot seem to stay healthy.
Thats the primary reason he’s had to settle for these 1 year deals the last few years..