3 things Za’Darius Smith brings to the Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns defensive end Za’Darius Smith can fix these three things.

The Cleveland Browns made a big swing with the trade for Za’Darius Smith. Smith, who is coming off of a Pro Bowl season, will start opposite Myles Garrett on a reworked defensive line. It’s a defensive line that will include Smith’s former teammate, Dalvin Tomlinson. The duo is expected to raise the profile of the unit and help All-Pro Garrett find more success. Not only that, but the Browns got a young rookie defensive tackle in Siaki Ika, who the team intends on using early and often.

And who the fanbase hopes starts from day one. The defensive line moves prior to Smith were just lateral moves. They may be better, they may be worse but all you could say is that the guys acquired were different from the players the team had before.

Smith is not some fly-by-night type of player. He’s a genuine Pro Bowler. Now injuries and age slow guys down, and yes, there exists a possibility that Smith doesn’t bring his Minnesota form to Cleveland. I don’t think that’s very likely. He’s a skilled player who uses his intelligence and pass-rushing moves to do a lot of damage, so he shouldn’t fall off. At least not now.

He should be around the same caliber player in 2023 that he was in 2022. And if he is, the Browns are going to be a force up front, unlike at any point prior. At least during Garrett’s time here.

So what does his arrival do to the Cleveland Browns’ defense in 2023? A whole load of things