Three-time Pro Bowler unretires to join Falcons a day after hitting back at Browns links

Aug 18, 2026 - 15:00

Za’Darius Smith is heading back to the NFL, 10 months on from his mid-season retirement.

The three-time Pro Bowl defensive end called time on his career in October 2025, weeks after signing with the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Za'Darius Smith #52 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs onto the field prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at Lincoln Financial Field on October 5, 2025 — Smith is returning to the NFL, having retired during the 2025 season

“This game has given me the opportunity to meet great coaches, compete alongside some of the best players ever, and represent some of the greatest organizations in the league,” Smith wrote at the time, walking away from the NFL.

“Football has transformed my life and my family’s lives forever — and for that, I’m forever grateful.”

Less than 12 months on, he’s set to get back on the field.

Retired Za’Darius Smith makes shock NFL return

On Tuesday, it was announced that Smith was joining the Atlanta Falcons to bolster their pass rush ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

It reunites Smith with head coach Kevin Stefanski, whom he previously played under in Cleveland.

The news comes after reports claimed the 33-year-old linebacker was expected to sign with the struggling Browns.

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According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the team hosted Smith for a tryout on Thursday, and it ‘proved to be a fit for both sides.’

He spent a season and a half with the team from 2023 to 2024.

Smith was expected to return to the Browns on Sunday, with Cabot reporting that ‘if all goes as planned, he should be under contract shortly thereafter.’

However, later in the day, he appeared to dispute that report.

“I have another workout tomorrow morning with a different team! Who told you to post this?” Smith asked, in a comment on social media.

Za'Darius Smith #99 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after tackling Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens during the third quarter of the game at Huntington Bank Field on October 27, 2024 — Smith spent a season and a half with the Browns, but is now joining the Falcons

Za'Darius Smith #52 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after a play during an NFL football game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on October 9, 2025 — He played five games for the Eagles in 2025, before walking away

He deleted his comment soon after posting.

Smith joins a Falcons front that previously lost Jalon Walker for the season due to injury and James Pearce Jr. for the first eight games due to a league suspension.

Smith has 70.5 sacks, 87 tackles for a loss and 10 forced fumbles in his career to date.

He was named a Pro Bowler during the 2019 and 2020 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, and again in 2022 with the Minnesota Vikings.