Pass rusher Za'Darius Smith is returning to the NFL, signing a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons. The deal is worth $6 million for the upcoming season, according to NFL Network.
Smith’s return comes less than one year after he announced his retirement from professional football in October. The veteran defender had signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles last September and played in five games, recording 1.5 sacks, before stepping away from the sport. In an Instagram post at the time of his retirement, Smith expressed the emotional impact of ending his career.
Smith was reportedly expected to sign with the Cleveland Browns but instead received a tryout offer from the Falcons, ultimately choosing to join Atlanta. The Falcons add depth to their pass rush with Smith's signing. The team recently lost first-round pick Jalon Walker to a torn ACL and suspended James Pearce for eight games due to a violation of the league's personal conduct policy.
A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Smith has achieved at least 8.5 sacks in a season five times in his career, with his highest total being 13.5 sacks in 2019. In his last full season in 2024, playing for the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns, he recorded nine sacks and 35 tackles.