The Falcons worked out veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith on Monday, according to the NFL’s personnel notice.
Smith was expected to sign with the Browns, but apparently was enticed to head to Atlanta. The Falcons won’t have James Pearce Jr. for eight games because of a suspension, and Jalon Walker will miss the entire season after tearing an ACL on Aug. 4.
Smith, who turns 34 next month, signed with the Eagles last September before announcing his retirement in October. The Eagles cut him from their reserve/retired list earlier this year.
Smith had 10.5 sacks in 25 games for the Browns in 2023 and 2024 before they traded him to the Lions. Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski was the head coach in Cleveland when Smith played there.
Smith has also played for the Ravens, Packers and Vikings while totaling 70.5 career sacks.
He is a three-time Pro Bowler, the most recent coming in 2022.
