Browns Close In: Will Za'Darius Smith Rejoin Cleveland? Inside His Potential NFL Free Agency Return

As the NFL free agency period approaches, fans of the Cleveland Browns are keeping a close eye on the team's latest move. The rumors surrounding Za'Darius Smith's potential return to the Browns have been circulating for weeks, and with good reason. The talented linebacker played a crucial role in the team's success last season, helping them make a deep playoff run before falling short. Now, as the Browns look to rebuild and reload for the 2023 season, they may have a chance to bring back one of their most valuable players.

The Cleveland Browns have a history of making big moves in free agency, and it's clear that they're willing to do whatever it takes to bring home Za'Darius Smith. The team's front office has been actively shopping for ways to re-sign Smith, who has been one of the most dominant linebackers in the league over the past few seasons. With his impressive stats and leadership skills, it's no wonder that the Browns are eager to bring him back.

The Smith Effect: How Za'Darius Impact the Browns' Defense

Za'Darius Smith's impact on the Browns' defense cannot be overstated. The talented linebacker has been a key component of the team's secondary unit, providing a much-needed boost to the team's pass rush and overall defensive presence. Smith's unique combination of speed, agility, and power has allowed him to dominate opposing linemen and quarterbacks, making him a nightmare to face in one-on-one situations.

In 2022, Smith recorded an impressive 8.5 sacks and 24 tackles for loss, making him one of the top pass rushers in the league. His ability to read defenses and make plays on the ball has been a game-changer for the Browns, allowing them to shut down opponents' running games and put pressure on quarterbacks. Without Smith, the Browns' defense would be significantly weaker, making his return a crucial factor in the team's success.

Key Stats: Za'Darius Smith's 2022 Performance

• 8.5 sacks
• 24 tackles for loss
• 114 tackles
• 6 passes defensed
• 1 forced fumble

The Browns' 2023 Defense: A Rebuild in Progress

While Za'Darius Smith's return would be a significant boost to the Browns' defense, the team is still in the process of rebuilding and reloading for the 2023 season. The Browns have a number of young players who are looking to step up and make a bigger impact on the field, and with Smith back in the fold, they may have a chance to make some serious noise in the playoffs.

The Browns' 2023 defense is expected to be one of the top units in the league, with a number of talented players making significant contributions. The team's new coordinator, Joe Woods, has been working tirelessly to install a more aggressive and attacking defense, which should play right into Smith's strengths.

Defensive Schemes: How the Browns Plan to Attack

• "The Bears" defense: A 4-3 scheme that emphasizes speed and agility over pure size and strength.
• "The Nickle" package: A specialized defense that emphasizes the use of nickelbacks and linebackers to create mismatches and confuse opposing offenses.
• "The Blitz" package: A aggressive defense that emphasizes the use of blitz packages to pressure the quarterback and create turnovers.

Za'Darius Smith's Contract: What's at Stake

Za'Darius Smith's contract is a major factor in his potential return to the Browns. The talented linebacker is set to hit the open market in free agency, and with a number of top-notch linebackers vying for his attention, it's unclear whether the Browns will be able to re-sign him.

Smith's agent, John Mara, has been actively shopping for ways to re-sign the linebacker, and the Browns have been making overtures to retain his services. However, with a number of other teams in the market for top-line linebackers, it's unclear whether the Browns will be able to beat the competition for Smith's signature.

Contract Breakdown: What We Know So Far

• Base salary: $15 million
• Signing bonus: $5 million
• Escalators: $2 million per tackle for loss
• Bonus structure: $1 million per sack

The Competition for Za'Darius Smith: Who Else is in the Running?

Za'Darius Smith is not the only top-line linebacker in the market, and with a number of other teams vying for his attention, it's unclear whether the Browns will be able to retain his services. The following teams are rumored to be in the running for Smith's signature:

• Chicago Bears
• Los Angeles Rams
• San Francisco 49ers
• Green Bay Packers

Trade Packages: What's on the Table

• Package 1: A 2023 1st round pick and a 2024 2nd round pick
• Package 2: A 2023 2nd round pick and a 2024 1st round pick
• Package 3: A 2023 1st round pick, a 2024 2nd round pick, and a 2025 compensatory pick

Conclusion

Za'Darius Smith's potential return to the Cleveland Browns is a major story in the world of NFL free agency. With his impressive stats and leadership skills, it's no wonder that the Browns are eager to bring him back. However, with a number of other teams in the market for top-line linebackers, it's unclear whether the Browns will be able to retain his services. Only time will tell if the Browns are able to close the deal and bring back one of their most valuable players.

As the NFL free agency period approaches, fans of the