Cleveland Browns: Is Carl Nassib in danger of being cut?
By Joel W. Cade
Chris Smith Rushes the Passer
To help address the pass rush and defensive end depth, Browns general manager John Dorsey brought in free agent Chris Smith.
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Smith was originally drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons in Jacksonville playing a total of 19 games. During that three year span, he spent time on the practice squad fighting to make the team. When he was on the active roster, he was mainly used as a rotational pass rusher and backup defensive end.
Before the 2017 season, Jacksonville traded Smith to the Cincinnati Bengals for a conditional 2018 draft pick. With the Bengals, he played in all 16 games serving as a backup defensive end. He recorded three sacks on the year as a rotational pass rusher.
The Browns used Smith as a specialty pass rusher and backup defensive end in minicamp. It was reported that he was working as an interior pass rusher in sub packages.
The Browns are giving Smith an opportunity to make the team as a backup defensive end and specialty pass rusher. He was given a three year contract to do so. As a natural 4-3 defensive end, Smith will provide stability and depth to the position.