The Cleveland Browns have made significant moves to strengthen their defense as free agency begins, re-signing 31-year-old edge rusher Za'Darius Smith and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II, who had a strong first season with the team. Smith's deal is a two-year contract worth $23.5 million, with the potential to increase to $25 million, as confirmed by multiple sources including @Schultz_Report. Hurst has agreed to a one-year deal, valued up to $3.2 million. These signings are part of the Browns' efforts to maintain a robust defensive line, following Smith's impactful performance last season with 5.5 sacks, 27 combined tackles, and 20 quarterback hits. Additionally, the Browns are focusing on other defensive areas, as indicated by their agreement with linebacker Jordan Hicks on a two-year deal.
Browns bring back Za'Darius Smith & Maurice Hurst, add a LB and contemplate move at backup QB. via TLOD https://t.co/ttEvl7tROC
#Browns focus on defense as free agency starts: DE Za’Darius Smith, DT Maurice Hurst II returning; LB Jordan Hicks agrees to two-year deal. Updated https://t.co/zzw19JRuDh
Maurice Hurst re-signs with Browns. https://t.co/eWxdWloSpq
Updated: DE Za'Darius Smith remaining with the #Browns on a 2 year deal worth $23.5 million; other #Browns defenders stay and go: https://t.co/2NSYmWJxI4
The Browns have agreed to terms to bring back DE Za’Darius Smith. The deal is two-years for $23.5 million, according to multiple reports. Smith, 31, notched 5.5 sacks, 27 combined tackles and 20 quarterback hits last season. More details 🔗: https://t.co/KWXIgt4Ob9
Za'Darius Smith is reportedly re-signing with Cleveland. 🧡 https://t.co/Gz5gcExKhx
Za’Darius Smith, Maurice Hurst II re-signing on D-line with #Browns. Updated with Anthony Walker Jr. and Mike Ford Jr. finding deals elsewhere. https://t.co/sqkNtvoRpo
Za’Darius Smith, Maurice Hurst II re-signing on D-line with #Browns https://t.co/sqkNtvoRpo
Za'Darius Smith to remain with Browns on two-year deal. https://t.co/h4fx4WSMl4
Browns re-signing pass rusher Za'Darius Smith to two-year deal worth $23.5M base, max of $25M, per @RapSheet https://t.co/se5eq6u6id https://t.co/hGarDRFT4Q
#Browns re-signing DT Maurice Hurst to a one-year deal, source says.
The Browns are re-signing DT Maurice Hurst to a one-year deal, per @AdamSchefter https://t.co/7TmoPvC4Kj
Za'Darius Smith to remain with Browns on one-year deal https://t.co/aRJXol7Okx
NFL free agency: Browns reportedly retain Za’Darius Smith at reasonable value: https://t.co/pG8voUbps1
#Browns edge rusher Za'Darius Smith returning to Cleveland on a two-year deal worth $23.5 million: https://t.co/2NSYmWIZSw
#Browns also re-signing DT Maurice Hurst II, source confirms. Had strong first season in Cleveland a year ago.
Browns re-signing LB Za'Darius Smith on two-year, $23.5M deal. (via @RapSheet) https://t.co/yJCBinnreY
#Browns are re-signing DE Za'Darius Smith, source says. Big move by Browns after slow first few hours to free agency.
Za'Darius Smith and the Browns agree to a 2-year deal worth up to $25M, per @Schultz_Report The Pro-Bowler is coming back to Cleveland 🐶 https://t.co/bvbuKQ7FW8
BREAKING: Cleveland Browns are re-signing Za'Darius Smith to a two-year deal worth $23.5M, @Schultz_Report. https://t.co/vzfR2IrZSn
Browns DT Maurice Hurst is re-signing with Cleveland, a one-year deal worth up to $3.2 million, per source.
The Browns are re-signing edge rusher Za’Darius Smith to a 2-year, $23.5M deal, per @DMRussini https://t.co/XI6OhaO5MI
#Browns Za'Darius Smith coming back to CLE, 2 years, $23.5M. @Schultz_Report first
The #Browns are re-signing veteran pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith to a two-year contract worth over $23M, per @Schultz_Report. Cleveland keeping the d-line intact. https://t.co/uOuCmEZPBH
𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: The #Browns are re-signing pass rusher ZaDarius Smith on a 2-year deal, per @DMRussini https://t.co/kVwz4hnMTQ
EDGE Za’Darius Smith going back to the Browns on a 2-year, $23.5M deal, per @Schultz_Report
The #Browns are re-signing Za'Darius Smith, per @Schultz_Report
EDGE Za'Darius Smith to sign a 2-year, $23.5M deal with the Browns.
Pro Bowl Edge Za’Darius Smith is going back to the Browns on a 2 yr, $23.5m base deal, with upside to $25m. Deal negotiated by @ErikBurkhardt of @RocNationSports
The Browns are re-signing Za'Darius Smith, per sources.