Za’Darius Smith free agency update: Browns or Kevin Stefanski decision

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

Is former Cleveland Browns HC Kevin Stefanski in a better position to win with the Atlanta Falcons than he would have been with his former team? The two sides seemingly locked horns in NFL free agency for the services of DE Za'Darius Smith, who played for the Browns under Stefanski for two seasons before being traded near the end of the second year.

According to a report from Mary Kay Cabot, Smith was all but signed in Cleveland on Sunday, after a visit earlier. It seemed to be a surprise to the defensive end, who commented, then deleted, that he had another workout lined up.

That visit ended up being with Stefanski's Falcons and, on Tuesday, much like former Browns DE Jadeveon Clowney, Smith has decided to sign somewhere besides a return to Cleveland:

The #Falcons are giving Za'Darius Smith a 1-year deal worth $6M, source said. He has a chance to make $8M. https://t.co/6DK8xCkkuq

- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 18, 2026

The contract is a strong one for a defender who retired after five games last season and had his last double-digit sack year in 2022, now four teams ago.

Cabot is reporting that Smith was set to fly back to Cleveland to sign his contract on Sunday before Atlanta got involved:

#Falcons sign edge rusher Za'Darius Smith on Tuesday after the #Browns expected to sign him on Sunday. He was due to fly to CLE Sunday to finalize the deal before Kevin Stefanski and the front office lured him to Atlanta -> https://t.co/kXe3Qr04el

- Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 18, 2026

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

What are your thoughts on the Browns missing out on another edge player, the second failed reunion, and Smith choosing Stefanski's Falcons instead of his former team?

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