Falcons Add Former Three-Time Pro Bowler to Strengthen Edge Depth

The Atlanta Falcons are addressing their depleted edge-rusher group by signing veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith to a one-year contract.

The move comes as Atlanta prepares to travel to Indianapolis for joint practices with the Colts on Wednesday and Thursday ahead of Saturday’s preseason matchup. According to multiple reports, Smith is expected to join the Falcons’ 90-man roster after working out for the team Monday.

Jordan Schultz reported that the deal is worth $6 million, with incentives potentially increasing the value to $8 million. The contract suggests Atlanta views Smith as more than simply a temporary addition following his brief retirement.

Smith, 33, originally entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens. During his four seasons in Baltimore, he recorded 18.5 sacks while serving primarily as a rotational player. His career took off after signing with the Green Bay Packers in 2019.

During his three seasons in Green Bay, Smith earned two Pro Bowl selections and was named a second-team All-Pro in 2020. An injury limited him to just one game in 2021, but he bounced back after joining the Minnesota Vikings in 2022. That season, he recorded 10 sacks and earned his third Pro Bowl selection while finishing ninth in Comeback Player of the Year voting.

Smith later reunited with Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski in Cleveland in 2023, recording 5.5 sacks while lining up opposite Myles Garrett. He began the 2024 season with the Browns before finishing the year with the Detroit Lions, where he added nine more sacks.

Last season, Smith joined the Philadelphia Eagles but appeared in only five games before unexpectedly retiring in October. After reconsidering his decision during the offseason, he now gets another opportunity with Atlanta.

The Falcons entered the summer with a promising mix of young and veteran edge defenders, but injuries and suspensions have quickly changed the outlook. Jalon Walker suffered a torn ACL, while James Pearce Jr. is suspended for the first eight games of the season.

That leaves Atlanta with several players trying to reestablish themselves. Samson Ebukam, 31, is attempting to return to his pre-injury form after suffering a torn Achilles in 2024. Azeez Ojulari showed promise early in his career with the New York Giants but was limited to three games last season because of hamstring issues.

Bralen Trice, meanwhile, was selected in the third round by Atlanta in 2024 but tore his ACL during his first preseason game and has yet to play in an NFL regular-season game.

Smith’s arrival gives the Falcons another experienced and accomplished pass rusher, but the position group remains filled with uncertainty.

Pearce is expected to return November 8 when Atlanta faces the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid, while Walker is expected to return next season if his rehabilitation stays on track.

Until then, Atlanta will rely heavily on a collection of veterans and young players looking to prove they still belong in the NFL.