The Cleveland Browns may be preparing for a reunion with a familiar face on the edge. Three-time Pro Bowler Za’Darius Smith worked out for Cleveland on Thursday after recently deciding to explore an NFL comeback.
Now, Browns senior media broadcaster Nathan Zegura believes the veteran pass rusher has a legitimate chance to return.
Nathan Zegura Sees ‘Good Chance’ of Za’Darius Smith Reunion
“I think that there’s a good chance that Za’Darius Smith does end up back with the Cleveland Browns,” Zegura said. “He’s a great guy to be around when he was here before, and I think as a situational pass rusher, he can be very effective.”
The comment came shortly after NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that Smith worked out for Cleveland. Smith retired in October 2025 after playing five games for the Philadelphia Eagles, but Philadelphia released him from the reserve/retired list in June, clearing the way for a possible return.
“I think that there’s a good chance Za’Darius Smith does end up back with the Cleveland Browns.”
🚨 @NathanZegura w/ @KenCarman and @SportsBoyTony on the #Browns defensive line, possible addition pic.twitter.com/IjyHyouxrH
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) August 14, 2026
Smith would not need much of an introduction in Cleveland. The Browns acquired him from the Minnesota Vikings in 2023 and re-signed him to a two-year deal the following offseason. He appeared in 25 games across parts of two seasons with Cleveland, totaling 50 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.
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Cleveland traded Smith to the Detroit Lions in November 2024. He later signed with Philadelphia in September 2025 and recorded 1.5 sacks before abruptly retiring five games into the season.
The 33-year-old has 70.5 career sacks in 145 regular-season games. He earned Pro Bowl selections with the Green Bay Packers in 2019 and 2020 and the Vikings in 2022, while also earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2020.
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Why Smith Could Make Sense for Browns
A Smith reunion would give Cleveland another proven veteran for a defensive line that has undergone a major transition. The Browns’ Garrett trade sent Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in June for Jared Verse and three draft picks, resetting the top of Cleveland’s edge rotation.
According to PFN’s Defense Impact Metric, the Browns’ defense ranked seventh in the league last season with an impact score of 84.7. Verse now headlines the group, while Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire are also expected to play significant roles.
Cleveland’s first unofficial preseason depth chart listed Verse and Wright as the starting defensive ends, with McGuire, Julian Okwara, and several younger options behind them.
Smith could offer a rotational pass-rushing presence without requiring Cleveland to make him the centerpiece of the front. His familiarity with the organization could also make the transition simpler than signing another veteran this late in training camp.
There is still no guarantee that a contract will follow the workout. Cleveland could evaluate other options or wait until preseason roster movement creates additional opportunities.
But Smith’s decision to come out of retirement, his workout with his former team, and Zegura’s optimism have created a clear path toward a reunion. If Cleveland wants another experienced pass rusher alongside Verse, one of its former defensive linemen may already be the most obvious solution.
