Veteran pass rusher Za'Darius Smith returns from retirement to join the Falcons

After stepping away from football during the previous season, former Packers defensive end Za'Darius Smith has signed a one-year contract worth $6 million with the Atlanta Falcons. The 33-year-old, a two-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler, previously retired while with the Philadelphia Eagles. Smith’s career includes standout years in Green Bay, where he posted double-digit sack totals and earned his first Pro Bowl in 2019.

He later played for Minnesota, Cleveland, Detroit and briefly returned to Philadelphia before retiring. The Falcons, led by head coach Kevin Stefanski—who coached Smith in Cleveland—will see him back on the field, potentially facing his former Packers when Green Bay hosts its season opener. Smith’s return adds veteran pass-rushing talent to Atlanta’s defense.