The Atlanta Falcons added a new wrinkle to Za’Darius Smith’s expected return to Cleveland on Monday, working out the veteran pass rusher and putting another team in the mix for the three-time Pro Bowler.
Smith had been trending toward a Browns reunion, with Cleveland showing strong interest in bringing him back. But Atlanta’s workout changes the picture and gives the 34-year-old edge rusher another possible landing spot.
The Falcons have a clear opening at pass rusher. Jalon Walker tore his ACL on Aug. 4 and will miss the entire 2026 season, while James Pearce Jr. is suspended for Atlanta’s first eight games. Those losses leave the team searching for more experienced help on the edge.
Smith is trying to continue his NFL career after his stint with the Philadelphia Eagles. He signed with Philadelphia last September, later announced his retirement, and the Eagles eventually removed him from their reserve/retired list earlier this year.
A veteran of 11 NFL seasons, Smith has played for the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Browns, Detroit Lions and Eagles. He has 70.5 career sacks and earned Pro Bowl nods in 2019, 2020 and 2022.
His time in Cleveland could also make Atlanta a realistic fit for another reason: Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski was the Browns’ head coach while Smith was there. Smith played 25 games for Cleveland across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, finishing with 50 tackles and 10.5 sacks.
The workout doesn’t mean a deal is coming, but it does give Atlanta a chance to add a proven veteran at a position where it badly needs depth. And if Smith ends up choosing the Falcons, Cleveland may have to revisit its own plan.
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