Former Baltimore Ravens Superstar Comes Out Of Retirement To Join Rival Team
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Former Baltimore Ravens edge rusher Za’Darius Smith is coming out of retirement and plans to return to the Cleveland Browns, according to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot.
“The Browns hosted their former edge rusher Za’Darius Smith for a tryout on Thursday, and it proved to be a fit for both sides. If all goes planned, he should be signed by Sunday,” Cabot reported.
The 33-year-old Smith retired last season after playing five games for the Philadelphia Eagles. He recorded 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks before making the surprise decision in October. Now, he will return to a Browns team that wanted him back last month before pursuing Jadeveon Clowney.
Smith Returns After Surprise Retirement
Smith spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons with Cleveland. The Browns now want him to add depth and experience to their pass rush.
Cabot also mentioned, “Now, Smith is ready to return to Cleveland to be a key part of the pass-rush rotation, joining Jared Verse, Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire.”
Smith started his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens selected him No. 122 overall in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He spent four seasons in Baltimore and recorded a career-high 8.5 sacks in 2018.
Smith later signed a four-year, $66 million deal with the Green Bay Packers in 2019. He also played for the Minnesota Vikings, Browns, Detroit Lions, and Eagles during his career.
The veteran earned 24.5 sacks over his last three seasons before joining Philadelphia. He recorded 10 sacks in 2022 and built a reputation as a reliable pass rusher.
His decision to retire last October surprised the Eagles. Smith had signed a one-year, $4.25 million contract with Philadelphia before the 2025 season. He played only five games before walking away.
“I knew this day would come, but now that it’s here, I’m feeling so many emotions I never expected,” Smith wrote on Instagram after announcing his retirement.
Smith also thanked the NFL for changing his life and helping his family.
He now gets another chance to add to that career. Smith has earned $79.1 million during his NFL career heading into the 2025 season.
The Browns hope he can bring some of that experience back to Cleveland as they prepare for the upcoming season.
