Za'Darius Smith unretires, signs with Falcons after Jalon Walker injury and James Pearce Jr. suspension

Smith retired after five games last year but is now back Aug 18, 2026 at 9:58 am ET • 1 min read Getty Images Za'Darius Smith's retirement didn't last long. And now, he'll be counted on almost immediately. The three-time Pro Bowler is signing a one-year deal with the Falcons, per The Athletic's Jonathan Jones, after Atlanta's pass-rushing group has been hit hard by injury and suspension this training camp.The deal is worth $6 million with a max value of $8 million, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Smith, 33, retired in October 2025 after playing in five games with the Eagles. But his name began popping up again last week when he visited the Browns, signaling a comeback was on the horizon. Ultimately, he ended up in Atlanta, which is very much in need of some help.On Aug. 4, promising 2025 fi