A dramatic turn of events involving Za’Darius Smith

The Atlanta Falcons have just bolstered a unit that had suffered several setbacks in recent weeks.

The team announced Tuesday that it had signed veteran Za'Darius Smith to a one-year contract.

The 33-year-old defensive player will earn $6 million, according to a report by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Smith arrives in Atlanta after playing for the Philadelphia Eagles last season.

This acquisition also has an interesting personal dimension. Smith already knows head coach Kevin Stefanski, with whom he worked in Cleveland in 2023 and 2024 while playing for the Browns. His arrival should therefore make it easier for him to integrate into his new team.

The Falcons, however, had an urgent reason to act. Over the past two weeks, Atlanta has lost two key players on its defensive line.

Jalon Walker will be out for the entire season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament during practice. Meanwhile, James Pearce Jr. will have to sit out the first eight games of the 2026 season due to an NFL suspension.

Can Za'Darius Smith make an impact again in Atlanta?

Although his last season was modest, Smith still has an impressive resume. In just five games with Philadelphia, he recorded only 1.5 sacks in 2025. However, he has 70.5 career sacks, including three seasons in which he surpassed the 10-sack mark.

Atlanta is therefore hoping to reclaim the player capable of consistently putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Smith won't be the only veteran called upon to stabilize this defense. The Falcons will also be able to count on Samson Ebukam, Azeez Ojulari, and Cameron Thomas, who have also signed one-year contracts.

The organization will also need to keep a close eye on Bralen Trice's situation. The young player has yet to make a regular-season appearance in the NFL after suffering two consecutive anterior cruciate ligament tears.

In this context, Za'Darius Smith's experience could prove particularly valuable. The Falcons are now hoping that the veteran can help fill some of the void left by their recent losses and quickly contribute to strengthening their defensive line.

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