Will the Browns keep Za’Darius Smith, Jordan Elliott, Shelby Harris, Maurice Hurst and Sam Kamara?
The next focus is on Cleveland Browns free agency is the defensive line position.
The Browns have five defensive linemen scheduled to hit the open market: J.E. Za’Darius Smith, D.T. Jordan Elliott, D.T. Shelby Harris, D.T. Maurice Hurst and D.T. Sam Kamara.
When and how did they join the Browns
Among the Browns’ defensive free agents, Elliott is the club’s longest-tenured member, having been selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
His rookie contract has ended.
Smith, Harris and Hurst were added during the 2023 offseason.
Smith was acquired through a trade.
He signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Vikings in 2022, but was traded to the Browns on May 16, 2023 for two fifth-, sixth-, and seventh-round picks.
Andrew Berry began restructuring his contract after the team acquired Smith.
Harris signed a one-year deal with Cleveland worth $3.5 million, and Hurst signed a one-year deal worth $1.24 million in 2023.
Kamara first signed to the Browns’ practice squad in October 2022 after becoming an undrafted free agent with the Bears in 2021.
Last season’s performance level
Za’Darius Smith is a valuable addition
One of the biggest surprises last offseason after free agency and the draft rush was the Berry-Smith trade.
Ogbo Okoronkwo was supposed to be the starting cornerback, but Smith’s arrival forced him into role play. Smith was seeking to replace Myles Garrett in the House of Representatives, which was held by Jadeveon Clowney, who left the party over a falling out.
Smith finished the season with 27 tackles, 5.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, 20 quarterback hits, three passes defended and one forced fumble.
His PFF grade for the season was 82.6 and his pass rush win percentage was 18.5%.
It looks like he was injured for a lot of games, but he just missed a few snaps and should be fine next week.
defensive tackle depth
In 2023, Elliott played in 14 games with the Browns, recording 21 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one pass defended.
He also blocked a basket.
Harris finished the year with 28 tackles, 1.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, five passes defended and one forced fumble.
He also blocked a basket.
Hurst’s season was cut short by injury, but he finished with 22 tackles, 1.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, one interception, three passes defended and one fumble recovery.
Kamala and ERFA
Kamara only played in Week 18, recording seven tackles and one tackle for loss.
He’s the team’s only exclusive free agent, meaning they can sign him to a one-year deal with a minimum salary if they want to keep him.
What should the Browns do?
It will be interesting to see how the Browns handle their situation on the defensive line. Smith has been a quality defensive player for the team, but once again his salary will be around $11 million.
Do they want to achieve this or would they prefer to pounce on one of their wingers with greater potential?
I think both solutions are correct as long as the club hires good people.
Hurst and Harris were great deals with the Browns last year. Both players add depth to the rotation and provide important stops and pass defense
Hurst’s contract was a little more affordable, but Harris played more.
I would like to see both players return as rotation players.
If the Browns want to invest big this offseason, I’d like them to take a defensive tackle.
That means letting a player like Elliott test the free agent market, even if he’s the only raw talent in front.
Tell us below who you think the Browns will re-sign He has two votes.
One is Smith and the other is a defensive tackle.
