New Falcons DL Maason Smith Thrilled to be 'Celebrated not Tolerated'

Maason Smith learned he had been traded to the Atlanta Falcons while on a golf course, a moment he described as a good shock and a promising opportunity. The rare player-for-player deal sent Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jacksonville Jaguars in April, and Smith—a former LSU standout and 2024 second-round pick—started five games as a rookie and collected three sacks and three pass deflections.

Now with Atlanta, he says the scheme is built for his fast feet and ability to make plays in the backfield. Listed at six feet five inches and 306 pounds with an 8.99 Relative Athletic Score, he expects to be more featured in Ollie's system. Smith emphasizes that his improvement after a challenging sophomore season has him ready to contribute.