Former LSU DT Maason Smith traded to new NFL team, per report
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Maason Smith is on the move ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have traded the former LSU Tiger. He joins the Atlanta Falcons in a direct swap of defensive tackles, with Ruke Orhorhoro taking his place in Jacksonville.
Sources: the Falcons are trading DT Ruke Orhorhoro to the Jaguars in exchange for DT Maason Smith. pic.twitter.com/SVKnpeBPJx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 17, 2026
Smith is entering his third professional season. He was selected by the Jaguars with the No. 48 overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
As a rookie, Smith played in 11 games for Jacksonville, making 5 starts. He recorded 17 total tackles in his professional debut season, including 3 sacks. Smith also added 3 passes defended to his rookie stats.
Last year, Smith played in more games (13), but he only started in 2 games. He recorded 15 total tackles, but without any sacks or TFLs. Smith had 1 pass breakup in his second NFL season.
Smith, from Houma, Louisiana, played 3 seasons with the Tigers. He was named Freshman All-SEC in 2021.
What’s in store for Smith and the Falcons next season? Prediction market Kalshi is taking early action on the NFC South division winner!
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
