Falcons sign Za'Darius Smith to bolster starting defense
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 6:03 PM
Last updated Aug 18, 2026
The Atlanta Falcons signed edge rusher Za'Darius Smith to a one-year, $6 million deal ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Smith, who recently came out of retirement, replaces suspended James Pearce Jr. for the first eight games. Smith had nine sacks in 2024 but played only five games last season. The Falcons lost both of their starting edge rushers and were coming off a 27-7 defeat to the Denver Broncos. Atlanta's starters are expected to play in the third preseason game against the Miami Dolphins.
- •Falcons lose edge rushers, sign Za'Darius Smith to replace James Pearce Jr.
- •Smith recorded nine sacks in 2024, came out of retirement for Falcons.
- •Team projects Smith as key defensive starter; preseason game against Dolphins upcoming.
- 6:03 PMYahoo Sports — Projecting the Falcons' starting defense with EDGE Za'Darius Smith
"Falcons starting lineup on defense: Za'Darius Smith replaces James Pearce
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