The Cleveland Browns’ season took a dramatic turn last Sunday when they defeated the Baltimore Ravens for their second win, and now the Browns, who were expected to be sellers at next Tuesday’s trade deadline, may stay put.

The Cleveland Browns might not move their star player now.

A few weeks ago, the Browns traded veteran wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills for a third-round pick, which was a decent transaction because Cooper was not playing well, wasn’t under contract for the next season, and would not be returning to Cleveland in 2025.
More experienced players were expected to be transferred before next week, including 32-year-old pass rusher Za’Darius Smith, who is under contract for this season and next.
Smith has a good chance of staying in Cleveland following their tremendous win last weekend. One national writer projected whether players would stay or leave before the trade deadline, and Smith remains with the Browns.
Mike Jones of The Athletic wrote an article titled NFL trade deadline predictions: Will Bryce Young, Mike Williams, and others stay or go? And said this regarding the possibility of the Browns moving Smith.

Prediction: Staying Put.

Teams have contacted the Browns about a number of players. While it’s obviously clear that Garrett is untouchable, his bookend, Smith, leads the team with five sacks and is attracting attention. The Browns could listen to requests about the 32-year-old Smith, but they are also hesitant to let him go since the team believes a season turnaround is possible. That belief is likely to prompt the Browns to keep Smith.
Cleveland still has a long way to go before making the playoffs, but they must keep Smith. If the Browns had lost last weekend and finished 1-7, the veteran pass rusher would most likely be gone, but there is fresh life on the team. Smith will most likely stay.