Za'Darius Smith signs one-year deal with Atlanta Falcons after retirement

Former Green Bay Packers edge rusher Za'Darius Smith has come out of retirement to join the Atlanta Falcons. Announced on August 18, Smith received a one-year contract worth $6 million, potentially increasing to $8 million. This marks a return to the NFL for the 33-year-old, who last played for the Philadelphia Eagles before retiring in October 2025. Smith enjoyed significant success with the Packers, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2019 and 2020. He will reunite with Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski, a former coach with the Cleveland Browns. Smith is expected to face his former team, the Packers, when the Falcons visit Lambeau Field for a Thursday Night Football game on September 24.

• 1:05 AMYahoo Sports — Ex-Packers All-Pro Za'Darius Smith comes out of retirement, will play Green Bay
• 1:05 AMYahoo Sports — Ex-Packers All-Pro edge rusher Za'Darius Smith comes out of retirement