The Atlanta Falcons announced Tuesday that they have signed veteran defensive end Za’Darius Smith to a one‑year contract. The deal, whose financial terms were not disclosed by the team, is reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz to be worth between $6 million and $8 million with incentives.
Why the signing matters for Atlanta
Smith, who turns 34 on September 8, brings a proven pass‑rushing pedigree to a Falcons defensive line that has been depleted this season. James Pearce Jr. is serving an eight‑game suspension imposed by the NFL, and Jalon Walker suffered a season‑ending knee injury on August 4, leaving the team thin at defensive end.
Smith’s recent production includes 10 tackles, three quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks in five games (two starts) for the Philadelphia Eagles last season. Over his 11‑year career, he has amassed 70.5 sacks, 343 tackles, 10 forced fumbles and 16 passes defensed in 145 games, with standout seasons in Green Bay where he recorded 13.5 sacks in 2019 and 12.5 sacks in 2020.
Career highlights and background
Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round out of the University of Kentucky in 2015, Smith spent four seasons in Baltimore before moving to the Green Bay Packers (2019‑2021), Minnesota Vikings (2022), Cleveland Browns (2023‑2024), Detroit Lions (2024) and the Philadelphia Eagles (2025). He earned Pro Bowl honors three times during his tenure with the Packers.
Smith previously played under current Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski when both were with the Cleveland Browns in 2023 and 2024, giving the new signing familiarity with the defensive scheme. After initially announcing his retirement on October 13, 2025, Smith visited the Browns last week before deciding to return to the field with Atlanta.
Impact on the Falcons’ defense
The addition of Smith is expected to provide immediate veteran leadership and depth on the edge. With the Falcons’ defensive line already featuring players such as A.J. Terrell and rookie prospects, Smith’s experience could help stabilize the pass rush while the team evaluates younger talent.
Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot said the team is “excited to bring a proven pass‑rusher like Za’Darius into the locker room,” emphasizing the need for consistency at the position as the season progresses.
Looking ahead
Atlanta’s schedule includes matchups against high‑powered offenses, making the reinforcement at defensive end a timely move. Fans will watch closely to see how Smith integrates into the defense and whether his presence can translate into increased quarterback pressure and sacks.
Smith’s contract runs through the 2026 season, after which the Falcons will reassess their defensive line composition based on performance and health.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
