Falcons sign three-time Pro-Bowler Za’Darius Smith

Smith has made three Pro Bowls throughout his career, the latest coming in 2022 with the Minnesota Vikings after recording 10.0 sacks and 24 quarterback hits.

The soon-to-be 34-year-old will be embarking on his 12th season in the league. He’s compiled 343 tackles, 70.5 sacks, and 176 quarterback hits over his career, instantly making him the most accomplished pass rusher on the entire roster by a wide margin.

Smith’s most recent campaign was a wild one, however. After signing a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, he played in just five games before abruptly announcing his retirement from football.

“I knew this day would come — but now that it’s here, I’m feeling so many emotions I never expected,” Smith wrote on Instagram, via the Eagles’ official team website. “… This game has given me the opportunity to meet great coaches, compete alongside some of the best players ever, and represent some of the greatest organizations in the league. Football has transformed my life and my family’s lives forever — and for that, I’m forever grateful.

“… To the fans — the biggest thank you of all. To every fan from each organization I represented: thank you, thank you, thank you for everything! From wearing my jerseys, collecting my cards, sending letters, sharing your opinions (good and tough ones alike), and most importantly — showing love. I felt it all. As I step into the newest season of my life, please know this game has meant the world to me. The lessons learned on and off the field will stay with me forever.”

Hopefully that’s not something Smith starts to reconsider once this season begins, because the Falcons desperately need him to turn back the clock, especially over the first eight weeks. Jalon Walker tore his ACL in training camp and won’t be available until 2027, and James Pearce Jr. will miss the first eight games while serving his suspension stemming from an offseason domestic violence incident.

Smith is about the best the Falcons could have hoped to acquire this late in the offseason. He spent two seasons under Kevin Stefanski in Cleveland, and in his most recent full season, recorded 9.0 sacks and 17 quarterback hits. This is still someone capable of being a very disruptive player, but expecting him to carry a pass rush this late in his career is wishful thinking. The Falcons just have to hope he can help the defense right the ship until Pearce returns. The combination of those two could be fairly respectable over the second half of the season.