Three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Za’Darius Smith was expected to sign with the Cleveland Browns.
However, it turns out the Atlanta Falcons are trying to bring him in. On Monday, Atlanta worked out Smith, which comes one day after Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reported that Smith was expected to sign with the Browns.
It’s an interesting twist, although Smith plated for Cleveland in 2023 and the start of 2024. Kevin Stefanski is the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, and he was the Browns coach when Smith was there.
Edge rusher Za'Darius Smith tried out for the #Falcons today, per the #NFL wire. #Browns hope to sign him. He played for Kevin Stefanski here in 2023 and 2024.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 17, 2026
The Falcons need another pass rusher. They lost Jalon Walker to a torn ACL at the start of August. James Pearce Jr., the 2025 first-round pick, is suspended for the first eight games due to felony charges for a dispute with his ex-girlfriend, Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson.
Smith is trying to make an NFL comeback. He spent the first four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens before playing three years with the Green Bay Packers, including Pro Bowl trips in 2019 and 2020.
Smith then played one year with the Minnesota Vikings before spending time with the Browns and Detroit Lions. Last season, he played just five games for the Philadelphia Eagles.
It’s a surprising twist regarding Za’Darius Smith, and the Stefanski connection could make sense for both sides in Atlanta.
