The Cleveland Browns did not have to wait long after Saturday's preseason loss to the Chicago Bears to make a potentially significant move on defense.
Cleveland fell 34-10 to Chicago at Soldier Field, surrendering 34 unanswered points after taking an early 10-0 lead. Less than 24 hours later, the Browns are reportedly preparing to bring a familiar face back to Cleveland. Three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Za'Darius Smith is expected to sign with the Browns after working out for the organization earlier in the week, according to Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot.
The move would give head coach Todd Monken another proven veteran for his defense as Cleveland continues preparing for the 2026 regular season.
NFL insider Ari Meirov highlighted the expected reunion Sunday.
"The #Browns are expected to sign 3x Pro Bowl DE Za'Darius Smith, per @MaryKayCabot," Meirov reported on X. "Smith spent last season with the #Eagles, playing 5 games before retiring. He's now returning to the NFL and heading back to Cleveland, where he played in 2023 and the first half of 2024."
Za'Darius Smith Expected to Return to Browns
Smith's return would be particularly notable considering he announced his retirement during the 2025 season.
The veteran pass rusher joined the Philadelphia Eagles last September and appeared in five games, making two starts. He recorded 10 tackles, three quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks before announcing his retirement in October.
Philadelphia later released Smith from the reserve/retired list, clearing the way for a potential NFL comeback.
Cleveland brought Smith in for a workout Thursday, and Cabot reported that the 33-year-old could return to Cleveland as early as Sunday to sign his contract.
Smith already knows the organization well.
He played 25 games for the Browns across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, recording 10.5 sacks before Cleveland traded him to the Detroit Lions midway through the 2024 campaign.
Now the Browns are apparently ready for a reunion.
Browns Add Proven Pass-Rush Help After Bears Loss
Smith would bring considerable experience to a Cleveland pass rush that also features Jared Verse, Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire.
The former fourth-round pick has accumulated 70.5 sacks, 343 tackles and 10 forced fumbles across 145 career games. His best statistical season came with the Green Bay Packers in 2019, when he recorded a career-high 13.5 sacks. He followed that performance with another 12.5 sacks in 2020.
Smith earned three Pro Bowl selections during his stops with Green Bay and Minnesota.
The timing of Cleveland's expected move is also noteworthy.
Saturday's preseason defeat exposed plenty for Monken and his coaching staff to evaluate. The Browns allowed Chicago to accumulate 430 total yards, including 306 through the air, while Bears quarterbacks Tyson Bagent, Case Keenum and Miller Moss combined to complete 27 of 42 passes.
A preseason result won't define Cleveland's season, but adding an accomplished pass rusher immediately afterward gives the Browns another veteran option before the games begin to count.
Smith retired less than a year ago.
Now, barring a late change, his NFL career appears set to resume in a very familiar place.
