Za'Darius Smith signs one-year deal with Falcons

Published August 18, 2026 09:05 AM After a flirtation with returning to Cleveland, veteran defensive end Za’Darius Smith has decided to go to Atlanta instead.Smith has signed a one-year deal with the Falcons, the team announced this morning.The signing comes a day after Smith worked out for the Falcons, news that came as a surprise because there had been reports he would sign with the Browns. Smith apparently liked the Falcons’ offer better, and they might have increased their offer as a result of losing two defensive ends this month: James Pearce Jr. was suspended for eight games by the NFL, and Jalon Walker suffered a season-ending knee injury on August 4.Smith previously played for Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski in Cleveland in 2023 and 2024.Last year Smith signed a one-year, $9 million contract with the Eagles, only to leave the team after five games and announce his retirement. But now he has decided to return to the field. And he’ll give the Falcons the depth at defensive end they needed.