League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Injuries

Za'Darius Smith signs one-year deal with Falcons after injuries and suspensions

3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 5:55 PM

Last updated Aug 18, 2026

Za'Darius Smith signs one-year deal with Falcons after injuries and suspensions

Summary

Za'Darius Smith has signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons following a series of injuries and a suspension impacting their pass-rushing unit. The deal, worth up to $8 million, comes after Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler, briefly retired last season. His return to the NFL became imminent after first-round EDGE Jalon Walker tore his ACL and James Pearce Jr. received an eight-game suspension for a domestic dispute. The Falcons now look to bolster their thin pass-rushing group with Smith joining other recent signings ahead of the upcoming season.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Smith's contract is worth $6 million, maxing out at $8 million.
•Walker suffered an ACL injury during training camp.
•Pearce was suspended for eight games due to a domestic dispute.
•Smith has 70.5 career sacks and previously played for multiple teams.
•Falcons need immediate help in their pass-rushing group.

Latest Updates

5:55 PMYahoo Sports — Falcons add three-time Pro Bowler Za'Darius Smith after James Pearce Jr. suspension
1:58 PMCBS NFL — Za'Darius Smith unretires, signs with Falcons after Jalon Walker injury and James Pearce Jr. suspension

What they're saying

"
The Atlanta Falcons have signed defensive end Za'Darius Smith, the team said Tuesday. Smith, who somewhat abruptly announced his retirement last October, will boost a front that has recently lost Jalon Walker to a season-ending torn ACL and James Pearce Jr. to an eight-game suspension following his February arrest after a domestic dispute. Walker and Pearce accounted for nearly 30 percent of Atlanta's franchise-record 57 sacks last season.
— Yahoo Sportsby MAURA CAREY