Za’Darius Smith is returning to the NFL after a brief retirement, agreeing to a one-year, $6 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Incentives can increase the deal’s value to $8 million. Smith retired last October, five games into his only season with the Eagles. Philadelphia released him from the reserve/retired list in June, clearing the way for the veteran pass rusher to resume his career with another team.
The 33-year-old Smith was solid during his short Eagles stint. He recorded 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks while playing 131 defensive snaps. Pro Football Focus credited him with 10 pressures and a 75.9 pass-rush grade. Atlanta is betting on more than Smith’s name and career résumé. His recent production suggests he can still help a defense as part of an edge-rushing rotation.
The #Falcons are giving Za’Darius Smith a 1-year deal worth $6M, source said. He has a chance to make $8M. https://t.co/6DK8xCkkuq
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 18, 2026
Smith split the 2024 season between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, finishing with nine sacks and 38 pressures. He opened the year with Cleveland before being traded to Detroit in November. The move also reunites Smith with Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski, who coached him during his time with the Browns. That familiarity should help Smith make a quicker transition after missing most of last season.
Smith has earned three Pro Bowl selections during 11 NFL seasons. He was selected twice while playing for the Green Bay Packers and again with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022. He also earned second-team All-Pro honors with Green Bay in 2020.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Former Eagles' pass rusher ends retirement to sign with Falcons