The Atlanta Falcons are adding a major veteran presence to their pass rush, signing three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Za’Darius Smith to a one-year contract, the team announced Tuesday morning.

The move comes at a critical time for Atlanta, which has been hit hard at the position with rookie Jalon Walker suffering a season-ending ACL injury and James Pearce Jr. facing an eight-game suspension. Smith, who turns 34 in September, reportedly signed for $6 million with incentives that could push the deal to $8 million.

Smith brings an impressive track record to Atlanta. Over 11 NFL seasons, he has recorded 70.5 sacks, 87 tackles for loss and 10 forced fumbles. His best seasons came with the Green Bay Packers in 2019 and 2020, when he posted 13.5 and 12.5 sacks, respectively, earning Pro Bowl honors in both seasons. He was also selected to the Pro Bowl with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022 after recording 10 sacks. While Smith’s production has declined from his prime, he remains a proven pass rusher who can provide the Falcons with experience and another legitimate threat off the edge.

The signing also reunites Smith with Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski, who coached him in Cleveland during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Smith spent last season with the Philadelphia Eagles, playing just five games and recording 10 tackles, three quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks before announcing his retirement in October. Now, he is coming out of retirement to return to the NFL and help an Atlanta defense that desperately needs production from its pass rush. The Falcons shouldn’t expect the Za’Darius Smith who dominated in Green Bay, but if he can stay healthy and provide consistent pressure in a rotational role, this could prove to be a valuable addition for a defense dealing with significant losses.

Photo Courtesy: Associated Press