Za’Darius Smith free agency update: Could spurn Browns for former coach

Aug 4, 2024; Cleveland Browns defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) points during practice at the Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Uh, oh. Here we go again, perhaps.

Sunday afternoon, we covered a report that former Cleveland Browns DE Za'Darius Smith was expected to rejoin the team after a visit to Berea. Smith seemed a bit confused by that report, as he commented on social media that he had another workout lined up with another team before deleting that comment.

DE Jared Verse talked on Monday about the potential addition of Smith and getting to pick the veteran's brain.

Previously, the Browns brought in another former defensive end, Jadeveon Clowney, and seemed interested in signing him before the former first overall pick returned to the Houston Texans instead.

Could things be repeating themselves, this time with a bit of Kevin Stefanski revenge added to it?

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

- Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 17, 2026

Stefanski was fired in Cleveland following the 2025 season and quickly hired as the Atlanta Falcons head coach during the cycle that brought Todd Monken in to coach the Browns.

As noted, Smith could help fill a big need for the Falcons and rejoin Stefanski instead of rejoining Cleveland, where he played for Stefanski for almost two years before being traded.

In his 11 years in the NFL, Smith compiled 343 tackles, 176 QB hits, 87 tackles for loss, and 70.5 sacks.

Do you want Smith to return to the Browns? Would his joining Stefanski instead of Cleveland bother you even more than Clowney choosing the Texans?

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