Cleveland acquired Za'Darius Smith plus 2025 sixth- and…

Minnesota and Cleveland made the deal in May 2023 after Za'Darius Smith requested a change of scenery. The Browns received Smith plus Minnesota's 2025 sixth- and seventh-round picks. The Vikings received fifth-round selections in 2024 and 2025. For Cleveland, the objective was immediate: add another proven edge rusher opposite Myles Garrett without surrendering premium capital.

Smith rewarded that approach. He appeared in 16 games for Cleveland in 2023 and nine more in 2024 before another midseason move, totaling 10.5 sacks over 25 Browns games. He gave the defense a dependable veteran presence and helped Cleveland reach the playoffs in 2023. The Browns then sent Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick to Detroit for a 2025 fifth and a 2026 sixth, recovering meaningful draft value after already receiving a year and a half of production.

Minnesota's side also produced useful assets. The 2024 fifth-round selection, No. 157, was later included with Nos. 11 and 129 in the Vikings' move to No. 10 for J.J. McCarthy, so it should be treated as part of that larger move rather than credited as a player selected at 157. The 2025 fifth, No. 139, became defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. As a rookie he appeared in 14 games with one start, recording 12 tackles and a sack while developing behind veterans.

The transaction therefore worked for both timelines. Minnesota moved an older, expensive edge player and gained draft flexibility plus a young defensive lineman. Cleveland received the best immediate player, got 10.5 sacks and then recovered additional draft capital when it moved Smith again.

The existing B+ for Cleveland is close, but the later asset recovery strengthens the Browns to an A-. Minnesota moves from C+ to B because its return had real downstream utility. Cleveland still wins because it captured substantial veteran production and preserved future value.