Za’Darius Smith signs one-year deal with Atlanta Falcons
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 1:31 PM
Last updated Aug 18, 2026

Za'Darius Smith has returned to the NFL by signing a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Smith previously retired after playing five games with the Philadelphia Eagles last season and was placed on the reserve/retired list. The Eagles cut him earlier this year, allowing him to seek opportunities with other teams. In Atlanta, Smith reunites with former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, as the Falcons look to bolster their edge rush following the suspension of James Pearce Jr.
- •Za'Darius Smith signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons.
- •He retired after five games with the Philadelphia Eagles last season.
- •The Eagles previously placed him on the reserve/retired list.
- •Smith reunites with coach Kevin Stefanski in Atlanta.
- •The Falcons are seeking to strengthen their edge rush.
- 1:31 PMYahoo Sports — Za’Darius Smith returns to the NFL after retiring while on the Eagles last year
- 1:31 PMBleeding Green Nation — Za’Darius Smith returns to the NFL after retiring while on the Eagles last year - Bleeding Green Nation
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 18, 2026, 1:31 PMZa’Darius Smith returns to the NFL after retiring while on the Eagles last year
Some former Eagles news.
- Bleeding Green NationAug 18, 2026, 1:31 PMZa’Darius Smith returns to the NFL after retiring while on the Eagles last year - Bleeding Green Nation
Some former Eagles news.
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