Za’Darius Smith returns to the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons

Pass rusher Za’Darius Smith has joined the Atlanta Falcons following a period of retirement. Smith stepped away from football in October 2025 after five games with the Philadelphia Eagles to care for his mother. Following the deaths of his mother, father, and grandmother, the 34-year-old decided to return to the sport at his mother's request for him to play in Atlanta. Smith enters the season with 70.5 career sacks and intends to reach 100 before his career ends. He cited the mental toll of his time away and stated that returning to the field provides him with a necessary focus.

• 10:15 PMYahoo Sports — Za’Darius Smith Reveals Emotional Family Reason For Retirement And Return to NFL