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2mo ago

Za'Darius Smith Unretires, Signs One-Year Deal With Falcons

The signing fills Atlanta's sudden edge-rush shortfall created by a season-ending ACL to Jalon Walker plus an eight-game suspension for James Pearce Jr.

Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Za'Darius Smith (52) prior to a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
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Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Za'Darius Smith (52) guestures to fans prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Smith ended a brief retirement by signing a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, in a deal reported at $6 million with up to $8 million in incentives.
  • The Falcons moved late in training camp after Smith visited the Cleveland Browns on Aug. 13 and was widely expected to sign there, then worked him out on Aug. 17 before completing the Atlanta deal.
  • Atlanta pursued Smith to replace lost production after Jalon Walker tore his ACL and James Pearce Jr. was suspended for eight games, creating an immediate need for experienced pass rushers.
  • The one-year, modestly priced contract and Smith's recent career history point to a rotational role that can provide pass-rush snaps and veteran mentorship while reuniting him with coach Kevin Stefanski.
  • Smith retired on Oct. 13, 2025 after five games with the Philadelphia Eagles but was released from the reserve/retired list in June 2026, a sequence that cleared the way for this late comeback and reflects how injuries and suspensions reshape camp rosters.