The Cleveland Browns must make some important decisions about their defence.
Za’Darius Smith was quite good in his one and only season at Berea, playing a variety of positions on the defensive line.
Nonetheless, he’s about to be a free agent, and he’s not getting any younger.
With that in mind, PFF proposes that the team target Tennessee Titans’ Denico Autry (via The Browns Wire).
“If the Browns were to hypothetically lose Za’Darius Smith, they add a versatile defensive lineman who can line up as a five-technique end, kick outside, and rush from between the tackles,” according to the article.
Smith is undoubtedly one of the most well-known pass rushers in the league, and his effect extends beyond the stat sheet and onto the field as a seasoned coach and leader.
Nonetheless, pursuing Autry would make a lot of sense, as he would be a much cheaper option with comparable output in Jim Schwartz’s defensive scheme, especially given his ability to work between the tackles.
Last season, the Browns boasted one of the league’s strongest defences, by far.
Schwartz transformed a strong team into a dominant one, and Myles Garrett enjoyed the best season of his career under his guidance.
Needless to say, in an ideal world, they would be able to keep Smith for a modest fee, but with him likely pursuing the final lucrative deal of his career, that may not be an option.
If that’s the case, Autry would be an excellent alternative for a team looking to spend big money on the opposite side of the field.
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