DE Robaire Smith Open to Returning to Cleveland Browns

Defensive end Robaire Smith, out since October with a back injury, is open to the idea of returning to the Cleveland Browns. He has been cleared for full football activity and was even invited by linebacker Scott Fujita to attend the full-squad workouts currently taking place in Austin, Texas.

Smith is especially keen on once again playing in a 4-3 defense, which is what the Browns are making the transition to in 2011. The 33-year-old is hopeful that the Browns would be interested in re-signing him, as he was quoted in a recent Cleveland.com article as saying:

"“It’s something I’m shooting for and that I’d love to do,” he said. “[General Manager] Tom Heckertsaid before the lockout that they’d be interested, but they were waiting to see my medical report. It came out right before the lockout, so there wasn’t too much they could say then.”"

The Browns will need all the help they can get on the revamped defensive line, especially on the ends, so if Smith comes at the right price and the pickings are slim in free agency, it might be worth taking a flier on Smith’s recovery.