Falcons sign Za’Darius Smith to one-year deal after Browns reunion falls through

Former Detroit Lions edge rusher Za’Darius Smith signed with the Atlanta Falcons, marking his official comeback to the NFL.

The Falcons offered Za’Darius Smith a one-year contract valued at $6 million with incentives that could push it to $8 million.

Earlier rumours were surfacing that Smith might end up signing with the Cleveland Browns, but after the Atlanta jump into the game, they brought him in for a workout on Monday, August 17, and turned the tables on them.

After the Falcons lost their two defensive ends this month—James Pearce Jr and Jalon Walker—the lucrative offer appears to have attracted Smith.

The ManBeast spent the previous two seasons (2023-24) with the Browns, where he played under current Falcons boss Kevin Stefanski.

Last year Smith inked a one-year deal that was valued at $9 million with the Philadelphia Eagles.

After appearing in five games for the Eagles, posting 10 tackles and 1.5 backfield tackles, he hung up his boots in October 2025.

Philadelp released him from the retired list this June, which offered Smith a chance to make a comeback.

Smith has recorded 70.5 backfield tackles over 145 career appearances.

Now after signing with the Falcons, Smith is all set to add depth at defensive end, the team needed the most in preseason campaign.