Falcons Sign Za’Darius Smith

The team has since confirmed this signing, one which appears to have come together in short order. This pact has a base value of $6MM, per NFL insider Schultz. Smith can earn up to $8MM in 2026.

Smith, 34 next month, ended last season on the Eagles’ reserve/retired list. An NFL return recently became something to watch for when the three-time Pro Bowler met with the Browns, however. A Sunday report stated a deal was expected to be worked out in short order. Schultz confirms Smith was “deep in talks” with the Browns, but one day after visiting the Falcons an Atlanta pact is now in place instead.

Through 2023 and the first half of the following season, Smith played for the Browns. During that time, he worked with Kevin Stefanski, who is now at the helm of the Falcons. This reunion will offer depth on the edge for Atlanta, a team which will be shorthanded at that spot in 2026. Jalon Walker suffered an ACL tear not long before the NFL’s investigation into James Pearce Jr. resulted in an eight-game suspension. One 2025 first-rounder will be unavailable all year as a result, while the other will miss half of his second pro campaign. DeAngelo Malone will also be sidelined due to his move to the reserve/PUP list earlier this month.

Given their lack of pass rush depth deep into training camp, the Falcons have unsurprisingly targeted free agent additions. Cameron Sample is now in the fold, and he will be joined by Smith in making quick preparations for the 2026 season. During his full Cleveland campaign, Smith notched 5.5 sacks. He managed five in nine games in 2024 before being dealt to the Lions ahead of the trade deadline. After a 2025 Eagles spell which only last five games, team and player will be aiming for a rebound in this case.

Walker and Malone are out of the picture while Pearce will be sidelined through the opening stages of the campaign. Atlanta’s EDGE production will largely rely on free agent additions Samson Ebukam and Azeez Ojulari along with Sample and Smith as a result. Meanwhile, the Browns will now need to shift their attention elsewhere if they are to make a late-summer addition in the pass rush department.