PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 05: Philadelphia Eagles line backer Za’Darius Smith (52) waves during the game between the Denver Broncos and the Philadelphia Eagles on October 5, 2025 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.(Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Falcons fans and fans across the country.
It was only a matter of time before the Falcons signed a veteran pass rusher following Jalon Walker’s season-ending injury and James Pearce’s eight-game suspension. The idea of Kevin Stefanski reuniting with a former player with a tremendous background in sacking quarterbacks didn’t initially come to mind. Za’Darius Smith signing with the Falcons caught many off guard, but the fit is ideal as the front desperately needed someone with credibility and versatility.
The powerful pass rusher knows how to create chaos, lining up in different areas across fronts. Even though Smith will be primarily utilized off the edge, he can beat opposing guards with his get-off and violent hands. That gives Jeff Ulbrich even more to work with to bring the best out of an undermanned group, searching for the right pairings in nickel and base.
Questions do linger about how much of a difference Smith can make. What do you believe he can do on passing downs as the Falcons’ pass rushing specialist?
