Report: Za’Darius Smith’s visit lands Cleveland in familiar territory as Browns look for defensive-end help

The Cleveland Browns’ search for defensive-end help this offseason appears to have moved toward a familiar face, at least based on a report Monday night. After a sequence of meetings that included former Browns edge Jadeveon Clowney and Baltimore’s Tyus Bowser, the latest development centers on Za’Darius Smith and whether his time in Cleveland’s orbit ends with an agreement.

According to the report from Yahoo Sports, the Browns’ process began with a visit from Clowney, a recognizable name in Cleveland’s defensive-end history. The expectation from the Browns side did not fully play out there, with the same reporting indicating Clowney ultimately spurned Cleveland and returned to the Houston Texans. That matters for how Cleveland manages the rest of its edge-rusher needs, because losing a targeted reunion typically forces a quick shift to a new priority.

The Browns then reportedly worked out Bowser, another edge player with an established track record, but one whose recent availability has been a talking point. The report characterizes Bowser as a defender who has not played a full season since 2021 and was out all of last year, framing the workout as part evaluation and part risk management for Cleveland’s front-line needs.

From there, the most recent step in the Browns’ offseason plan, again per the report, involves Smith. It describes a workout or visit from the former Browns defensive end that could represent the “finish line” for a pursuit that has not yet produced a signing at the time of publication. Notably, the reporting language treats the situation as fluid rather than confirmed, meaning Cleveland’s defensive line depth could still be subject to change.

Za’Darius Smith’s name carries weight for Browns fans because it indicates experience with the type of edge-rushing demands Cleveland typically asks of its defensive ends, including creating pressure while staying capable against the run. The Browns’ interest in Smith, if it results in a deal, would also suggest the team is looking for a quicker fit rather than taking only a longer-development approach at the position.

For now, the key takeaway is that Cleveland has been active in lining up multiple options at defensive end, moving from Clowney to Bowser and then to Smith as the offseason conversation evolved. If Smith does sign, the Browns would be addressing a major roster need with a player who already understands the broader expectations that come with playing a premium edge role in that system. If the pursuit does not close, Cleveland’s willingness to keep rotating through candidates suggests it will continue to search for a plan that balances production with durability.

The next thing to watch is straightforward: whether Cleveland and Smith reach an agreement and, if they do, how quickly it clarifies the team’s depth chart at defensive end. In a league where edge-rusher availability can swing week-to-week, the difference between an agreement and another round of workouts may shape how the Browns approach their preseason preparation and early-season rotation.