Linebacker Za'Darius Smith has signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, potentially worth up to $8 million, just months after he announced his retirement from the NFL. The move comes less than a week after Smith worked out with the Cleveland Browns.
Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler, initially retired from professional football in 2025 after five games with the Philadelphia Eagles, who placed him on the reserve/retired list. He previously spent a decade in the league.
The 33-year-old pass rusher is returning to the field and reunites with former Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski, who coached Smith in 2023 and 2024. Smith was originally drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Before his brief stint with the Eagles, Smith played for the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, and the Browns. He played 25 games for Cleveland and had appeared set to return to the team.
The Falcons have a need at defensive end due to the season-ending knee injury of Jalon Walker and an eight-game suspension for James Pearce Jr. following an offseason arrest.