Falcons Sign Za'Darius Smith to Bolster Pass Rush
The veteran comes out of retirement on a one-year deal reportedly worth $6 million, reuniting with coach Kevin Stefanski after Atlanta lost Jalon Walker for the season and James Pearce Jr. to suspension.
The Atlanta Falcons signed edge rusher Za'Darius Smith to a one-year deal reportedly worth $6 million, bringing the 33-year-old out of retirement to reunite with coach Kevin Stefanski, who coached him in Cleveland.
Why does Atlanta need the help?
The move addresses pass-rush depth after the Falcons lost Jalon Walker for the season to a torn ACL and will be without James Pearce Jr. for the first eight games of 2026, a suspension tied to a personal conduct policy violation stemming from a February domestic violence arrest.
What's Smith's background?
A former second-team All-Pro, Smith posted a career-high 13.5 sacks with Green Bay in 2019. He played under Stefanski with the Cleveland Browns from 2023 to 2024 before spending 2025 with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: Falcons sign veteran Za'Darius Smith to aid pass rush
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