Falcons named best trade fit for Za’Darius Smith

With the trade deadline approaching, the Falcons are expected to be active on the market, and their target is clear: a pass rusher.

“Yes,” Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated responded to a question if the Falcons are indeed going to be in the trade market for a pass rusher. “They like what they’ve gotten in Matthew Judon. They’re very open to adding to what he’s brought to the table.”

Pass rushers are in constant demand across the NFL—much like pitchers in baseball. The Falcons won’t be alone in this search; nearly a quarter of the league could be seeking the same upgrade.

One of the top targets expected to be made available is Za’Darius Smith of the Browns. Cleveland has already traded Amari Cooper, so the thought is that Smith is also expendable. Though Smith is expected to have many suitors, Pro Football Focus named the Falcons his best trade fit.

“Smith has been solid in 2024, recording a 71.4 overall grade and 24 pressures — nine more than any other Atlanta edge rusher. The 32-year-old has seen his pass-rushing grade drop over 16 points, but he combined for 141 pressures over 2022-23,” PFF’s Bradley Locker writes.

Adding Za’Darius Smith wouldn’t be a cure-all for the Falcons’ struggling pass rush, but it would be a step in the right direction. Outside of a few elite players like T.J. Watt or Myles Garrett, it’s rare to find a single player capable of transforming a pass rush overnight. Still, Smith’s presence would undoubtedly be a boost.

The Falcons rank dead last or near the bottom of the league in most pass rushing stats, including sacks. According to the PFF article, the club ranks 31st in pass-rush grade and is dead last in pass-rush win rate by edge defenders. “No Falcons pass-rusher has posted an overall grade above 71.6.”

While Za’Darius Smith might not single-handedly elevate Atlanta’s pass rush, he would be a much-needed upgrade—and, at this point, the only direction for the Falcons’ pass rush is up.

The price also is palatable. The veteran is making a $1.21 million salary this year and has about $11 million in non-guaranteed salary due him in 2025. So the Falcons could, in theory, cut ties with him if the experiment doesn’t workout in 2024.

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