Atlanta Falcons sign edge rusher Za'Darius Smith
The Atlanta Falcons signed edge rusher Za'Darius Smith, they announced Tuesday. Smith came out of retirement to join the NFC South franchise.
Veteran pass rusher Za Darius Smith, who played for the Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, and Baltimore Ravens, has signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons for $6 million, with the potential to increase to $8 million with incentives. The 33-year-old made a surprising comeback after declaring his retirement last year and has played in 145 games throughout his 12-season NFL career.
In his first five appearances with the Eagles last season, Smith amassed 10 combined tackles, three quarterback hits, two tackles for a loss, and 1.5 sacks. He previously played for Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski while he coached the Browns. The Falcons' roster is already thin on edge rushers, with Cam Thomas, Brandon Dorlus, Azeez Ojulari, and Samson Ebukam being the top remaining players.
The team will face the Indianapolis Colts in a preseason game on Saturday and the Miami Dolphins in their season finale next month, opening the regular season against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 13.
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