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Falcons Add Three-Time Pro Bowler Za'Darius Smith After James Pearce Jr. Suspension
The veteran edge rusher returns after a brief retirement and gives Atlanta needed help after losing two projected starters.
- On Tuesday, the Atlanta Falcons officially signed veteran edge rusher Za'Darius Smith to a one-year deal, reuniting the 33-year-old with head coach Kevin Stefanski following his brief retirement last season.
- Injuries and suspensions forced Atlanta to seek immediate veteran help after projected starter Jalon Walker suffered a season-ending ACL tear and James Pearce Jr. received an eight-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
- Smith brings 70.5 career sacks to the Falcons on a one-year contract worth $6 million, with incentives potentially increasing the value to $8 million as he begins his 12th NFL season.
- Despite widespread reports that Smith was finalizing a deal with the Cleveland Browns, he ultimately chose Atlanta after working out for both clubs on Thursday and Monday respectively.
- The Falcons aim to utilize Smith in a rotational role to manage his workload at age 34, stabilizing the pass rush after losing two projected starters to injury and suspension.
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Three-time Pro Bowler Za’Darius Smith coming out of retirement to join Falcons
Three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Za’Darius Smith is coming out of a brief retirement to join the Atlanta Falcons, the team announced on Tuesday. It will be a one-year deal, a team source confirmed.
·Charleston, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources57
Leaning Left9Leaning Right9Center27Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Center
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
60% Center
L 20%
C 60%
R 20%
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