ATL Za'Darius Smith
NFL edge rusher. Position: EDGE. Team: Atlanta Falcons.
Quick Facts
- Position: EDGE
- Age: 33
- Team: Atlanta Falcons
- Previous teams: Philadelphia Eagles (2025), Detroit Lions (2024), Cleveland Browns (2023-2024), Green Bay Packers (2019-2022), Minnesota Vikings (2018), Jacksonville Jaguars (2016-2017), Baltimore Ravens (2015)
2026 Outlook
Reuniting with Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski after playing under him with Cleveland in 2023-2024. Signed as pass-rush depth following injuries to Jalon Walker (torn ACL) and suspension of James Pearce Jr. (first 8 games). Career veteran with 70.5 total sacks and former second-team All-Pro selection (career-high 13.5 sacks with Green Bay in 2019). Posted 1.5 sacks in five games with Philadelphia in 2025, but has history of low-snap-count efficiency when used strategically. Will compete for snaps alongside other veteran edge options (Samson Ebukam, Azeez Ojulari, Cameron Thomas) as Falcons work to replace 16 sacks lost to injuries. (per Falcons sign veteran Za'Darius Smith to aid pass rush)
Personal story: Smith's 2025 retirement from the Eagles was motivated by family hardship—his mother was terminally ill. He stepped away to be with her during her final days, and his grandmother and father passed away shortly after. Describing his return to football in 2026, Smith said "this is my happy place" and noted that being near Atlanta (where his family lives in Alabama) factored into his decision to sign with the Falcons over the Browns. (per Za'Darius Smith retired last season to be with his mother before she died)
Recent News
- 2026-10-09 — NFL Week 5 injury report: Eagles' Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith out, Bears' Caleb... (NFL Week 5 injury report: Eagles' Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith out, Bears' Caleb...)
- 2026-10-09 — Za'Darius Smith in concussion protocol after scary injury scare vs Saints (Falcons vs. Ravens injury report: Jake Matthews dealing with groin issue)
- 2026-08-26 — Za'Darius Smith retired last season to be with his mother before she died (Za'Darius Smith retired last season to be with his mother before she died)
- 2026-08-18 — Browns' failed Za'Darius Smith reunion highlights major concern after preseason opener (Browns' failed Za'Darius Smith reunion highlights major concern after preseason opener)
- 2026-08-18 — Falcons sign veteran Za'Darius Smith to bolster pass rush (Falcons sign veteran Za'Darius Smith to aid pass rush)
- 2026-08-18 — Cleveland Browns dealt the same kind of tough news for the second time during training camp (Cleveland Browns dealt the same kind of tough news)