It's a 3-year, $14M deal for Chris Smith with the #Browns, source said. Betting the upside on a player with 7.5 career sacks. https://t.co/zxE3nspzzJ
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 13, 2018
Smith was a productive reserve in 2016 after being acquired via trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The 6-foot-1, 266-pounder had 26 tackles, including three sacks.
Cincinnati might have liked to keep him if possible, but the team website reported he would not fit into their plans anymore after they agreed to acquire offensive lineman Cordy Glenn from Buffalo on Monday.
RELATED: Bengals open critical week with strong move
The team reportedly set aside $15 million to spend on free agents — including their own — while reserving other money they have under the cap for contract extensions to players such as defensive linemen Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins yet to be done.
Glenn is set to make $11.25 million this season.
That is money far better spent on the offensive line, a weakness last year, than the defensive line, a position that is more easily upgraded through the draft as colleges continue to churn out pass rushers of various sizes every year.
About the Author