If Myles Garrett is Batman, Za'Darius Smith was his Robin in 2023. That's why the Cleveland Browns were quick to ensure they kept the dynamic duo together for the foreseeable future.
One of the first moves the franchise made when the NFL's legal tampering window opened up was re-signing Smith to a two-year deal worth $23.5 million on Monday Two days later, just hours before the new league year was set to open up, the team confirmed the move and Smith expressed why he felt compelled to return to Northeast Ohio.
“There's something special brewing here in Cleveland," Smith said. "Last year was the start of it and I'm just so happy to be able to come back. I’m excited because this locker room, it's a brotherhood. To be around great guys like Myles (Garrett), Ogbo (Okoronkwo) and Shelby Harris and the guys on the offensive side of the ball, too. Just to be back with them was big for me. I'm just so happy that I get a chance to continue my career here in Cleveland.”
Throughout an injury riddled season 2023 season, much was said throughout the locker room about the tight nit culture that had been authentically created across the roster. The team's togetherness helped the team finish 11-6 and earn a playoff berth, despite the fact that the team saw more than 10 players end up on the injured reserve during the season.
Smith was a key voice in the locker room all season long, buying into the newly established culture from the moment he was traded from Minnesota to Cleveland last May. Now he's sticking around to see things through a little longer.
In his first year with the Browns he saw a statistical dip in production tallying 5.5 sacks, 20 QB hits, 27 tackles, and a forced fumble. In his 2022 campaign, Smith recorded 10 sacks and had four additional QB hits. Still, he and Garrett proved to be nice compliments to each other as Smith was able to generate 27 total pressures despite only getting home 5.5 times.
Cleveland's defense was ranked No. 1 in numerous statistical categories with Garrett and Smith headlining the defensive front. That dynamic duo will look to build upon what they started in their second year together, playing in Jim Schwartz system.
More must-reads: