For the price of two future late-round picks, the Cleveland Browns were able to acquire Edge Defender Za’Darius Smith from the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. But how does the move stack up, and will it be worth it? Perhaps more importantly, was this the Browns’ biggest offseason addition this year? Let’s answer these questions and more as we dive into the signing.
Browns Edge Defenders
Sitting at the front of the DE room, and rightfully so, is edge rusher, Myles Garrett. With over $17.2 million fully guaranteed this year, there’s no doubt that GM Andrew Berry still believes in the number one overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Besides Garrett, however, the Browns have not exactly bolstered the most impressive group of Edge Defenders, relying on Jadeveon Clowney over the last couple of seasons. Clowney, who we all believe – deep down – has the potential to return to his 2017 form, fell off last season with a drop from 19 QB hits down to only four, two forced fumbles to one, and only two sacks down from nine during his first year in Cleveland. Needless to say, the team could use some help at the position.
Enter Za’Darius Smith
Vikings DE Za’Darius Smith (55) – Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
While both Smith and Clowney have put up their best stats playing the Right Outside Linebacker position, it might be worth noting that Smith had 20 more QB hits as an OLB than Clowney did last year at Defensive End. Of course, versatility is crucial to most defensive coordinators, and what one player does at one position should not explicitly determine what they can do at another.
Speaking of which skills, Za’Darius Smith has been a unicorn of sorts playing DE, as well as OLB and ROLB. He has excelled in aspects of each role, but generally speaking, I’d rather leave the past in the past. So while evaluating Smith, it’s best to focus on what he has done for us lately.
Well, in Minnesota in 2022, Smith had a total of 32 solo tackles, including 15 tackles for loss. He had 24 QB hits and 10 sacks, adding five passes defended and a forced fumble to his resume. Za’Darius is a solid addition to the DE room, and most importantly, he has a knack for getting after the passer.
All Moves on Defense
During the 2023 NFL draft, the Browns put an emphasis on addressing the interior defensive line. Through free agency, they acquired the likes of such notable players as Dalvin Tomlinson to strengthen the group, among other moves.
Despite their focus on the DL, they added Smith, who brings a total of 84 pressures during his time as a Viking last season. Alongside Myles Garrett – the hope, I suppose – is to have another edge rusher moving the eyes of opposing offenses and causing serious disruptions.
Is Za’Darius Up for the Task?
Vikings DE Za’Darius Smith (55) – Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
In my opinion, it’s easy to see that nearly anyone will be intimidated by the presence of Garrett. The defender boasts a career total of 74.5 sacks, 142 QB hits, and 177 solo tackles, after all. Nevertheless, alongside every great pass rusher is, yep, you guessed it, another great pass rusher. And a dual threat here is exactly what this defense needs to make it back to the playoffs and to apply pressure on the once-in-a-lifetime AFC quarterbacks who are currently dominating the conference.
All in all, I think Smith is more than ready to face the task and live up to his worth. For a team that has struggled to nail the DE position sans Garrett, I’d say that the signing of a proven vet like Za’Darius Smith is, yes, the Browns’ biggest 2023 addition so far this year.
