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Source: Ex-Browns DE Chris Smith eyes NFL comeback after girlfriend's death

Former Cleveland Browns defensive end Chris Smith, whose girlfriend was killed in a traffic accident last September, is making a comeback and is looking to sign with an NFL team, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Smith is feeling better and ready to resume his career, the source said.

Smith's girlfriend, Petara Cordero, was struck and killed by a driver on Interstate 90 in Cleveland. She had been a passenger in Smith's 2019 Lamborghini and exited the vehicle when it had a tire malfunction and hit the median.

The couple had just had a daughter together the month before.

Smith started two games for the Browns in 2018, but compiled only one tackle in eight games following Cordero's death.

The Browns released Smith on Dec. 3.