Falcons sign Za'Darius Smith to 1-year deal ahead of preseason
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 1:46 PM
Last updated Aug 18, 2026
The Atlanta Falcons signed Za'Darius Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler, to a one-year contract worth up to $8 million, as they faced depth issues due to injuries. Smith, who has 70.5 career sacks since entering the NFL in 2015, will fill the void created by Jalon Walker's season-ending injury. The Falcons are preparing for their second preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts this Saturday, with joint practices scheduled leading up to the matchup.
- •Za'Darius Smith signs with the Falcons on August 18, 2026.
- •Smith has recorded 70.5 career sacks since 2015.
- •Jalon Walker is out for the season with a torn ACL.
- •Falcons face the Colts on Saturday afternoon.
- •Smith will wear the No. 91 for the upcoming season.
- 1:46 PMYahoo Sports — Falcons sign edge rusher Za’Darius Smith to one-year deal
- 1:46 PMThe Falcoholic — Falcons sign edge rusher Za’Darius Smith to one-year deal - thefalcoholic.com
- 1:23 PMYahoo Sports — Falcons sign Pro Bowl EDGE Za'Darius Smith to 1-year deal
- 1:08 PMNBCSports.com — Za’Darius Smith signs one-year deal with Falcons - NBC Sports
"After a flirtation with returning to Cleveland, veteran defensive end Za'Darius Smith has decided to go to Atlanta instead.
"The three-time Pro Bowler joins an Atlanta team thirsting for pass rush help.
"The three-time Pro Bowler joins an Atlanta team thirsting for pass rush help.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 18, 2026, 1:46 PMFalcons sign edge rusher Za’Darius Smith to one-year deal
The three-time Pro Bowler joins an Atlanta team thirsting for pass rush help.
- The FalcoholicAug 18, 2026, 1:46 PMFalcons sign edge rusher Za’Darius Smith to one-year deal - thefalcoholic.com
The three-time Pro Bowler joins an Atlanta team thirsting for pass rush help.
- Yahoo SportsAug 18, 2026, 1:23 PMFalcons sign Pro Bowl EDGE Za'Darius Smith to 1-year deal
Falcons find EDGE replacement in 3-time Pro Bowler Za'Darius Smith
- NBCSports.comAug 18, 2026, 1:08 PMZa’Darius Smith signs one-year deal with Falcons - NBC Sports
After a flirtation with returning to Cleveland, veteran defensive end Za'Darius Smith has decided to go to Atlanta instead.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
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