{
  "id": 1713600,
  "title": "Za’Darius Smith free agency update: Browns or Kevin Stefanski decision",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/zadarius-smith-free-agency-update-browns-or-kevin-stefanski-decision",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-18T13:09:14.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/za-darius-smith-free-agency-130914488.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On August 4, 2024, Cleveland Browns defensive end Za’Darius Smith decided to sign with the Atlanta Falcons instead of returning to his former team, according to a report by Mary Kay Cabot. Smith, who played for the Browns under Head Coach Kevin Stefanski for two seasons, was reportedly close to signing with the team before ultimately choosing the Falcons. The Falcons agreed to a one-year deal worth $6 million, with the possibility of making $8 million. Smith, who had his last double-digit sack year in 2022, compiled 343 tackles, 176 QB hits, 87 tackles for loss, and 70.5 sacks over his 11-year NFL career. The news comes as a disappointment for Browns fans, marking yet another failed reunion for the defensive end and Stefanski.",
  "summary": "Cleveland Browns pursuit of a reunion with a DE, this time Za’Darius Smith, brought Kevin Stefanski’s Falcons into the picture",
  "key_points": [
    "Za’Darius Smith signs with Atlanta Falcons on August 4, 2024",
    "Cleveland Browns lose defensive end to Atlanta",
    "Smith to earn $6M with Falcons, $8M possible"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}