Za’Darius Smith Signs With Falcons After Browns Talks Stall

Veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith is back in the NFL, signing a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons after a brief retirement that lasted about 11 months. The move comes just days after Smith was widely expected to rejoin the Cleveland Browns.

The Browns hosted Smith for a tryout on Thursday, August 13, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Smith passed his physical and impressed the coaching staff, with a contract signing anticipated by Sunday. However, the weekend passed without an official announcement, and Smith subsequently visited the Falcons on Monday.

Smith, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, is entering his 12th NFL season. The Falcons are in need of edge-rushing depth after losing outside linebacker James Pearce Jr. to an eight-game suspension and Jalon Walker to an ACL injury sustained during training camp. Smith is expected to see significant playing time in Atlanta, according to reports.

A brief retirement

Smith’s return marks the end of an 11-month hiatus. He signed a one-year, $9 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles last September but retired abruptly in early October without providing a public reason. The decision was described as personal and unrelated to the Eagles organization, according to sources cited by Sports Illustrated. During his brief stint with the Eagles, Smith started two of the five games he played, recording 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks across 131 snaps.

Smith's retirement placed him among a series of Eagles players who stepped away from the game only to later return. The article notes that DeVante Parker retired in 2024 citing family time, Jaire Alexander retired in 2025 due to knee swelling, Joe Tyron-Shoyinka retired in 2026 after mandatory minicamp without giving a reason, and Myles Jack retired in 2023 before rejoining the Pittsburgh Steelers. None of those players, however, returned to the Eagles; Smith has similarly moved on to a new team.

Cleveland connection

Smith is no stranger to the Browns' organization. He played 25 games for Cleveland from 2023 through mid-2024, recording 10.5 sacks before being traded to the Detroit Lions. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was at the helm during that stretch, and Smith's familiarity with the system may have factored into the initial mutual interest.

The Browns reportedly made an attempt to lure Smith out of retirement back in July, but that effort did not materialize. When Smith visited Cleveland in August, the expectation was that he would sign. The delay in finalizing a deal opened the door for the Falcons, who hosted Smith on Monday.

Jared Verse, a Browns defensive end, told reporters that Smith's veteran presence would have been a boost to the locker room, expressing enthusiasm about the possibility of having him in Cleveland.

Smith’s career trajectory

Drafted in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, Smith spent his first four seasons there before moving to the Green Bay Packers, where he enjoyed a career year in 2019 with 13.5 sacks. He has since played for the Detroit Lions, the Browns, and the Eagles, compiling a résumé that includes three Pro Bowl selections.

At 34, Smith’s age and recent retirement raise questions about his conditioning and durability, but his experience and veteran leadership are seen as assets for a Falcons defense in need of depth. According to Sports Illustrated, Smith is expected to receive significant playing time in Atlanta.

The Falcons have not officially announced the terms of the deal, but multiple reports indicate it is a one-year contract. Smith’s agent and the team have not commented publicly.

As Smith prepares to join the Falcons for the upcoming season, the Browns will have to look elsewhere to bolster their pass rush. For Smith, the return to the field offers a chance to add to a career that includes stints with the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, and Eagles, as well as a standout 2019 season with the Packers in which he posted 13.5 sacks.