Za'Darius Smith unretires to sign one-year deal with Falcons after spurning Browns visit

Key facts

Za’Darius Smith signed one-year deal with Falcons worth $6 million with up to $8 million in incentives
Smith, 33, rejected Browns offer to join Atlanta after visiting both teams last week
Smith retired in October 2025 after five games with Philadelphia Eagles; played last for Eagles in 2025 season
Falcons lost defensive ends Jalon Walker (ACL tear on Aug. 4) and James Pearce Jr. (8-game suspension on Aug. 15)
Smith brings 70.5 career sacks including 9 in 2024; three-time Pro Bowler reunites with Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski, who coached him in Cleveland 2023-24
Smith joining seventh NFL team in 12 years; previously with Ravens, Packers, Vikings, Browns, Lions, Eagles before Falcons

The signing

Za’Darius Smith, a 33-year-old edge rusher, has signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons. The deal is worth $6 million with a maximum value of $8 million, according to reports from multiple outlets. Smith’s agreement comes after he visited both the Cleveland Browns and the Falcons last week, ultimately choosing Atlanta over the Browns’ offer.

Smith’s recent history and retirement

Smith had retired in October 2025 after playing in just five games for the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2025 season. That retirement ended his involvement in the league less than a year ago. He had signed a one-year, $9 million contract with Philadelphia before departing. His decision to unretire and re-enter the league came as he began working out for potential suitors last week.

Browns’ missed opportunity

The Cleveland Browns had brought Smith in for a visit after trading away Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. The Browns offered Smith a one-year deal worth $6 million with incentives up to $8 million—the same financial terms the Falcons ultimately provided. However, Smith chose Atlanta, marking the second veteran edge rusher the Browns have missed out on this offseason. They previously lost out on Jadeveon Clowney, who signed with the Houston Texans instead.

Why the Falcons needed immediate help

Atlanta’s pass-rushing group faced significant setbacks that made Smith’s arrival urgent. On August 4, promising 2025 first-round edge rusher Jalon Walker suffered a torn ACL in a non-padded practice, ending his season. Then on August 15, the NFL suspended 2025 first-round edge rusher James Pearce Jr. for eight games. Pearce’s suspension stemmed from a domestic dispute incident with his then-girlfriend. Pearce was charged with three felonies—aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer—though his legal team negotiated a pre-trial intervention program that could lead to charges being dismissed if he stays out of trouble for six months. The NFL conducted its own investigation and determined Pearce had violated the league’s personal conduct policy, resulting in the eight-game ban.

Smith’s career and connection to Kevin Stefanski

Smith is a three-time Pro Bowler who has earned 70.5 career sacks, including nine in 2024. He began his career as a 2015 fourth-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens. He spent time with the Green Bay Packers (2019–2022), where he made his first two Pro Bowls in 2019 and 2020 and earned a second-team All-Pro selection in 2020. He earned his third Pro Bowl nod with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022. Before his Eagles stint, Smith played for the Browns in 2023 and split the 2024 season between Cleveland and the Detroit Lions. With the Falcons signing, he joins his seventh different NFL team in 12 years. Notably, Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski previously coached Smith in Cleveland during 2023 and 2024, providing a familiar connection.

Sources

Featured photo: original: Keith Allisonderivative: Diddykong1130 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Za’Darius Smith unretires to sign one-year deal with Falcons after spurning Browns visit