Maurice Hurst Returning To Browns On One-Year Deal

The Cleveland Browns made a series of moves on Monday to retain several key free agents on defense, including Maurice Hurst.

The Browns are trying to get the band back together in 2024. 

On a busy day of legal tampering in the NFL the Browns worked to retain one of their own in defensive tackle Maurice Hurst. The 28-year-old is due back with Cleveland in 2024 after agreeing to a one-year deal worth $3.2 million. The deal won't be consummated until 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

Hurst was quick to share his excitement over his return to Northeast Ohio on social media.

Run it Back 💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/ZWfPFN48fd

— Maurice Hurst II (@mohurstjr) March 11, 2024

Hurst was on pace to have a career year in 2023 before it was derailed by a torn pectoral injury that ended the campaign in December. 

Prior to suffering the ailment, Hurst tallied 22 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three pass breakups and four tackles for a loss in 13 games. The latter two figures each matched career-highs for the Michigan product.

The return of Hurst followed news that veteran edge rusher Za'Darius Smith is also re-signing with Cleveland on a two-year deal. As the Browns attempt to recreate the top defense in football from 2023 by bringing back numerous impactful members of the unit. 

Za'Darius Smith Re-Signing With The Cleveland Browns

Anchored by star pass rusher Myles Garrett, the Browns led the league in total yards allowed per game, passing yards allowed per game and were top 10 in sacks and takeaways for the season. Garrett will now have two of his defensive-line mates back lining up next to him again next fall.

With Hurst back in the fold, Cleveland currently has three defensive tackles signed to the active roster. Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz puts an emphasis on having a deep rotation of defensive lineman at his disposal, so more moves could be coming from general manager Andrew Berry along the defensive front.