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Our preview on the Browns’ exclusive rights free agents continues with our final player to preview, CB C.J. Smith.
How and When He Joined the Browns: In mid-September of 2017, the Browns signed Smith to their practice squad. He was originally an undrafted free agent who played special teams for the Eagles in 2016.
Productivity Level Last Season: Cleveland called Smith up to the 53-man roster in mid-December for the final 3 games of the regular season. He played 9 defensive snaps and saw 24 snaps on special teams, finishing with 1 tackle.
Why Keeping Him Could Make Sense: He spent most of the season with Cleveland last year between the practice squad and active roster, even though there wasn’t a lot of playing time there. He also played 10 games in 2016 with the Eagles, mostly contributing on special teams. He could compete for one of those special teams roles this offseason.
What the Browns Should Do: It’s a toss-up. If the Browns decide to tender Smith, it would be $630,000, as he had two credited seasons under his belt. I’m ready for Cleveland to overhaul a fair amount of their defensive backs, so I’m fine if they just let Smith become a free agent.
Let us know below whether or not the team should try to tender or re-sign C.J. Smith!