Za'Darius Smith's Comeback Sparks Bidding War Between Browns and Falcons

An 11-Month Retirement Just Ended

Turns out retirement wasn't for Za'Darius Smith. The three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher stepped away from football less than a year ago, but with training camps in full swing and rosters taking shape, the 34-year-old is officially back in play — and teams are lining up to get him.

Browns Had Him First... Or Did They?

Smith worked out for the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, August 13, and by all accounts it went well. He reportedly passed his physical and impressed the coaching staff enough that a contract signing on Sunday seemed like a formality. Then the weekend came and went with no deal, no announcement, and no explanation.

That silence opened the door for someone else to make a move.

Enter the Falcons

On Monday, Smith showed up for a tryout with the Atlanta Falcons — an NFC team with a very real need at linebacker. Atlanta is dealing with a double hit at the position: James Pearce Jr. is out for the first eight games due to suspension, and Jalon Walker, just 22, tore his ACL in training camp. That leaves a gap Smith, even at 34, has the experience to help fill.

It's a classic late-summer scramble. Teams are finalizing 53-man rosters, injuries are piling up, and a proven veteran pass rusher suddenly becomes a hot commodity — even one who was ready to hang up his cleats less than a year ago.

This Isn't Smith's First Rodeo With Multiple Suitors

This exact scenario played out before the 2025 season, too. Smith signed a one-year, $9 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles last September after fielding multiple offers. He ended up picking Philly partly because the Eagles had lost veteran leader Brandon Graham and needed someone to step into that locker room role. Smith said the fit just felt right.

Now he's in a similar spot — except this time it's Cleveland, the team he once played for, against Atlanta, a team with an urgent need.

What Happens Next

With about three weeks left before the season kicks off in September, time is short for both sides to make their case. The Browns clearly moved first and had the inside track, but the Falcons' pressing need at linebacker gives them real leverage. Whichever team lands Smith gets a battle-tested veteran with 12 years of experience and a track record of production, even in a part-time role.

For fantasy managers, DFS players, and fans just trying to figure out who's suiting up on defense, this is one to watch closely over the next week or two.