Browns trade for three-time Pro Bowler Za'Darius Smith
Nearly a month after essentially saying goodbye to the Minnesota Vikings, edge-rusher Za'Darius Smith is finally on the move.
On Friday, the Vikings pulled the trigger on a trade that sends Smith to the Cleveland Browns, where he'll team up with another dynamic pass-rusher in Myles Garrett.
The 30-year-old was impactful in his only season with the Vikings, posting 10 sacks with 44 tackles and 24 quarterback hits in 2022. Smith also has a proven track record, tallying 36 sacks over his last 49 games.
The Browns traded fifth-round picks in 2024 and 2025 to the Vikings in exchange for Smith and sixth and seventh-round picks in 2025.
Cleveland also reworked Smith's deal, guaranteeing him $11.75 million in 2023. Smith is eligible for free agency after the 2023 campaign.
The addition of Smith solidifies the side opposite Garrett and strengthens an already deep defensive line for coordinator, Jim Schwartz. Schwartz is a fan of rotating players on the line, and he'll have plenty to choose from on the ends, including Smith, Garrett, Alex Wright, Isaiah McGuire and free agent signee Ogbonnia Okoronkwo.
Meanwhile, with Smith's trade, the Vikings clear $12 million in cap space and save $3.33 million in dead money for 2023. The funds could be handy for Minnesota, with several players due for extensions, including Justin Jefferson, Danielle Hunter and T.J. Hockenson.
Trading Smith away may not be the only cost-cutting move the Vikings make this offseason. On Thursday, ESPN's Dianna Russini reported that "all signs point" to the Vikings releasing Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook, saving Minnesota $6 million in 2023.
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