Mary Kay Cabot - August 10, 2009 - Cleveland.com

It didn't take long for former Browns defensive lineman Shaun Smith to find work. Smith, released by the Browns on Saturday after clashing with line coach Bryan Cox on Friday, agreed to terms Monday on a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions, his agent Neil Schwartz said. He'll make $1 million with the Lions, and become a free agent after the season.

"Shaun enjoyed his time in Cleveland,'' said Schwartz. "He thought the Cleveland Browns fans were incredible and wishes the Cleveland Browns organization only the best of luck.''

Smith, who visited St. Louis on Sunday, was scheduled to visit Tampa Bay after leaving Detroit, but the Lions never let him get away. He also drew some interest from the Broncos.

Smith's signing may have been hastened by the season-ending injury to 11-year defensive end Jared DeVries, who ruptured his Achilles tendon in Monday morning's practice.

DeVries, who was set to start at left defensive end, will undergo surgery and be placed on injured reserve for the season. Lions coach Jim Schwartz acknowledged that the team will be hard-pressed to replace DeVries.

"It's one thing replacing the physical talent of somebody," Schwartz told the Detroit News. "It's another thing replacing the heart and soul of what you're all about. And Jared is that way -- he's one of the toughest guys in the locker room, he's got a lot of experience, he's paid a lot of dues with this club. And he needs to see some reward for it. That's the thing that's most disappointing, is that you'd like him be able to reap the rewards, be able to experience some good times for all those tough times he's been through."

Mangini gave no reason for cutting Smith, other than to say he needed to clear a roster spot. But Smith butted heads with Cox during Friday's practice and was already on thin ice with some in the organization after reportedly punching Brady Quinn in the face during a weight-room altercation in December.

The Browns filled the roster spot Sunday with guard Fred Weary, a seven-year veteran of the Texans who started 43 of his 63 games at right guard.

Second-year defensive lineman Ahtyba Rubin will see increased reps at backup nosetackle and in the line rotation in Smith's absence. The Browns also added former Jets Kenyon Coleman and C.J. Mosley to the line this season.

Schwartz told the Detroit News Monday that Smith's "talent fits us. I think it was important to get to know him a little bit and him get to know us."

Source: http://www.cleveland.com/brownsbeat/index.ssf/2009/08/former_cleveland_browns_dl_sha.html