The Cleveland Browns have made significant moves to solidify their defense, retaining key players and adding depth to key positions.
Firstly, the Browns have agreed to re-sign defensive end Za’Darius Smith and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst, both of whom played vital roles in the team’s defensive success last season. Smith, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, recorded 5 1/2 sacks and 27 tackles in 16 starts, while Hurst contributed 22 tackles and 1 1/2 sacks before suffering a season-ending injury.
Smith agreed to a two-year, $23.5 million deal, while Hurst agreed to a one-year contract worth $3.2 million.
The Browns have bolstered their linebacker corps by agreeing to a two-year deal with veteran Jordan Hicks. Hicks, a nine-year veteran, recorded 89 tackles in 13 games for the Minnesota Vikings last season and will provide valuable experience and leadership to the Browns’ defense.
These moves come as the Browns look to build upon their successful 2023 season, where they finished with an 11-6 record and reached the playoffs. With a strong defense in place, the Browns aim to make a deeper postseason run in the upcoming season.
