Za'Darius Smith workouts with Falcons after Browns interest
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 17, 2026, 9:43 PM
Last updated Aug 17, 2026
Veteran pass rusher Za'Darius Smith worked out for the Atlanta Falcons on August 17, according to NFL personnel notices. Smith was previously expected to sign with the Cleveland Browns but ended up in Atlanta, where the team is dealing with significant player absences, including James Pearce Jr.'s eight-game suspension and Jalon Walker's season-ending ACL injury. At 34, Smith has a notable career with 70.5 sacks and is a three-time Pro Bowler, having played for teams including the Ravens, Packers, and Vikings. His next steps with the Falcons remain unclear.
- •Smith worked out for the Falcons after being linked to the Browns.
- •James Pearce Jr. will miss eight games due to suspension.
- •Jalon Walker is out for the season with an ACL injury.
- •Smith has 70.5 career sacks and is a three-time Pro Bowler.
- •Falcons' decision on Smith's signing is pending.
- 12:26 AMYahoo Sports — Za'Darius Smith flips from Browns and signs one-year deal with Falcons
- 1:05 PMYahoo Sports — Za'Darius Smith signs one-year deal with Falcons
- 9:43 PMYahoo Sports — Za'Darius Smith works out for Falcons after he was expected to sign with Browns
"Za'Darius Smith, a former Kentucky Wildcats standout, signed a one-year deal with the Falcons after all indications had him landing with the Browns.
"After a flirtation with returning to Cleveland, veteran defensive end Za'Darius Smith has decided to go to Atlanta instead.
"The Falcons worked out veteran pass rusher Za'Darius Smith on Monday, according to the NFL's personnel notice.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 19, 2026, 12:26 AMZa'Darius Smith flips from Browns and signs one-year deal with Falcons
Za'Darius Smith, a former Kentucky Wildcats standout, signed a one-year deal with the Falcons after all indications had him landing with the Browns.
- Yahoo SportsAug 18, 2026, 1:05 PMZa'Darius Smith signs one-year deal with Falcons
After a flirtation with returning to Cleveland, veteran defensive end Za'Darius Smith has decided to go to Atlanta instead.
- Yahoo SportsAug 17, 2026, 9:43 PMZa'Darius Smith works out for Falcons after he was expected to sign with Browns
The Falcons worked out veteran pass rusher Za'Darius Smith on Monday, according to the NFL's personnel notice.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
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