Cleveland agreed to a new one-year deal with the free agent linebacker.
There will be a little less transition on the defensive side of the ball for the Cleveland Browns next season as they have agreed to a one-year deal with linebacker Malcolm Smith. Smith reportedly had interest from the Carolina Panthers but opts to stay in Cleveland.
Malcolm Smith appeared in 15 games for the Browns last season, compiling 72 tackles (49 solo), 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 pass defenses, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble.Smith appeared in 52% of defensive snaps for the Browns last season and was part of a group of players at the linebacker position. Smith was more than serviceable last season, but he is not someone who can be a starter anymore.
Adding Malcolm Smith is fine as long as it comes in conjunction with someone else who can be a starter. Cleveland still needs a lot of help on defense and the linebacker group is no exception. The Browns must find a way to add a legitimate starter to this group as right now they have some rotational players at best an a player entering his second year where he is more of an unknown commodity than anything. Improving this group is a must if the Browns defense is going to be better next season.
