The Browns are still trying to patch together life on the edge after trading away Myles Garrett, and Za’Darius Smith has quickly become one of the names to watch.
Cleveland already brought Smith in for a workout, and the fit makes sense on paper. He spent time with the Browns in 2023 and for part of 2024 before getting dealt to the Detroit Lions, and there had reportedly been momentum toward a deal. But now Atlanta has entered the picture, and that could change everything.
NFL insider Ari Meirov reported that Smith recently worked out for the Falcons, who are coached by Kevin Stefanski, Smith’s former head coach in Cleveland.
Potential twist: Veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith, who has been expected to sign with the #Browns, worked out for the #Falcons.Atlanta has lost both James Pearce Jr. (8-game suspension) and Jalon Walker (torn ACL). Smith played for Kevin Stefanski in Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/bhO6q47MXr
This does not look like a revenge play from Stefanski. Atlanta has its own problem at edge after losing Jalon Walker for the year with an injury and James Pearce Jr. for eight games because of suspension.
So the Browns and Falcons are essentially chasing the same fix. At this point, the decision could come down to money, or to which team Smith believes gives him the better shot at winning in 2026.
Cleveland’s current edge group is thin. Verse and Alex Wright are the top options, with Isaiah McGuire and Julian Okwara next in line. Okwara even recorded a sack in Saturday’s loss to the Chicago Bears.
The Browns want another proven presence to line up opposite Verse, who is an elite talent but still not on Garrett’s level. Smith would also bring another veteran voice into a locker room that is trying to grow toward 2026, with an eye on real contention in 2027.
Smith is technically coming back from retirement, which means he’ll want the best landing spot possible. Atlanta may simply look like the steadier choice right now. If that happens, Cleveland will likely have to keep searching and wait for the league-wide cuts at the end of August to find more help off the edge.
Stefanski was snatched up by the Falcons right after the Browns let him go, and his standing around the league is still clearly strong. That could end up being the difference in the Smith sweepstakes.
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