Za’Darius Smith has returned to the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons after stepping away from the Philadelphia Eagles in October 2025 while coping with the deaths of his mother, grandmother and father within months. The three-time Pro Bowl defensive end said football has helped him emerge from a “dark place”, providing a source of joy and purpose during bereavement.

Atlanta have signed Smith to strengthen their pass rush after Jalon Walker suffered a season-ending ACL injury and James Pearce Jr received an eight-game suspension. The 33-year-old, joining his seventh NFL team after 11 seasons, has recorded 70.5 sacks and 343 tackles since entering the league in 2015, and said he is aiming to reach 100 career sacks.