Veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith injected fresh uncertainty into the Cleveland Browns’ free-agency plans this week when he worked out for the Atlanta Falcons on Monday.

The session came only a day after reports suggested a return to Cleveland was all but finalized, leaving both teams and their fans watching closely to see where the experienced pass rusher ultimately lands.

Smith had drawn renewed interest from the Browns after a tryout in Cleveland on Thursday. Local reporting indicated the visit went well for both sides and that Smith was expected to fly back to the city over the weekend to complete a contract.

Instead, the next public development showed him on the practice field with Atlanta, a move that signals he remains open to evaluating his options rather than rushing into an agreement.

The timing adds intrigue. Smith spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Browns before the club traded him to the Detroit Lions near the 2024 deadline.

Across 25 starts in Cleveland he produced 10.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss and 27 quarterback hits, numbers that still make him an attractive veteran presence for teams seeking depth and experience on the edge.

His familiarity with the Browns (even though there is a new coaching staff) made a reunion appear logical, yet the Falcons’ interest demonstrates that other clubs see value in his remaining production and leadership.

For Cleveland, the development creates a potential plot twist in what looked like a straightforward re-signing. Adding a known quantity like Smith would bolster a pass rush that has dealt with injuries and turnover.

For Atlanta, the workout offers a low-risk opportunity to evaluate a player who could provide immediate help without a long-term commitment.

Smith, for his part, appears to be using the sudden attention to ensure he finds the right fit and compensation for the next stage of his career.

As of Monday evening the situation remained fluid. No contract with either team had been announced, and Smith’s next move will determine whether the Browns close the loop on a familiar face or whether the Falcons succeed in pulling him away.

In a league where depth on the defensive line can shift a season’s trajectory, the veteran’s continued availability keeps both organizations and their supporters engaged until a decision is reached.