The Cleveland Browns went out and upgraded its defensive unit by way of a former Wildcat.
On Friday night, the Minnesota Vikings executed a trade with the Browns that will send edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, who played at Kentucky from 2013-14, to Cleveland in exchange for a pair of fifth-round picks in 2024 and 2025. Additionally, the Browns will acquire Minnesota’s 2025 sixth- and seventh-round draft picks.
Smith, 30, has also reworked his contract. The one-time ‘Cat will now make $11.75 million in guaranteed money this season before becoming a free agent in the following offseason.