Za'Darius Smith has come out of retirement to sign with the Atlanta Falcons. Smith retired after five games last season but is now returning to the NFL on a one-year deal, per multiple reports. Jordan Schultz reported the contract carries a base value of $6 million with upside to $8 million.
Smith's addition comes as the Falcons address depth concerns at edge rusher following injuries to Jalon Walker and the suspension of James Pearce Jr. The signing concludes a brief free agency period in which Smith had been in talks with the Cleveland Browns about a potential reunion, per Yahoo Sports and Schultz's reporting. The Falcons ultimately made a strong push to land the three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher, with Erik Burkhardt of Roc Nation Sports handling the deal.