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Za’Darius Smith signs with Atlanta Falcons

Updated 6 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-08-18 18:33 UTC → 2026-08-27 01:08 UTC · added removed

Za’Darius Smith signs one-year deal with Atlanta Falcons

Veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith has signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons, opting for a reunion worth $6 million with head coach Kevin Stefanski over a projected incentives potentially reaching $8 million. The move marks Smith’s return to the NFL following a sudden retirement during the 2025 season. Before signing with Atlanta, Smith participated in a workout with the Cleveland Browns. Browns, who were seeking veteran depth following the trade of Myles Garrett. While early reports rumors initially suggested a reunion with return to Cleveland was imminent, Smith had previously clarified via social media that he had not yet signed and was scheduled for further workouts. Despite interest from the Browns to bolster their defensive line following the trade of Myles Garrett, Smith workouts scheduled. He ultimately accepted a deal with Atlanta worth $6 million, with incentives that could potentially reach $8 million. This move marks a return chose to the NFL for Smith following a sudden departure from the league last season. The reunite with head coach Kevin Stefanski in Atlanta. Smith’s signing provides immediate addresses critical depth issues for Atlanta’s the Falcons’ pass rush, which has been impacted by following a season-ending ACL injury to Jalon Walker and an eight-game suspension for James Pearce Jr. and a season-ending ACL injury to Jalon Walker. Smith, The 33-year-old, a 33-year-old three-time Pro Bowler with 70.5 career sacks and 11 years of NFL experience, sacks, joins the Falcons' defensive a rotation to address these roster needs. Over that includes players like Jared Verse and Alex Wright. Regarding his abrupt departure from the league last season—which occurred just five games into a career spanning 12 years contract with the Philadelphia Eagles—Smith revealed the decision was driven by significant personal tragedies. He disclosed that he experienced the rapid loss of his mother, grandmother, and 145 games, Smith has played for father, noting he was in a “dark place” at the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, time. Smith stated that playing football is his “happy place” and Philadelphia Eagles. mentioned his mother had always wanted him to play for Atlanta.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-27 01:08 UTC Za’Darius Smith signs with Atlanta Falcons
  2. 2026-08-18 18:33 UTC Za’Darius Smith signs one-year deal with Atlanta Falcons
  3. 2026-08-18 14:30 UTC Za’Darius Smith signs one-year deal with Atlanta Falcons
  4. 2026-08-17 23:56 UTC Browns and Falcons evaluate Za’Darius Smith
  5. 2026-08-17 23:46 UTC Cleveland Browns and Falcons evaluate Za’Darius Smith
  6. 2026-08-16 16:32 UTC Cleveland Browns pursuit of Za’Darius Smith
  7. 2026-08-16 16:24 UTC Cleveland Browns pursuit of Za’Darius Smith

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