Jaguars Trade DT Maason Smith to Falcons for DT Ruke Orhorhoro

Jacksonville receives a pass-rushing defensive tackle in the deal.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:05pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting with sharp, overlapping geometric planes of color representing the bodies and movements of football players, without any identifiable features or logos.A cubist artistic interpretation of the trade between the Jaguars and Falcons, deconstructing the players and action into a dynamic, geometric composition.Today in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Jaguars have traded third-year defensive tackle Maason Smith to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for third-year defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro. Smith, the 48th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had 32 tackles and 3 sacks over the past two seasons with the Jaguars. Orhorhoro, the 35th overall pick in 2024, recorded 36 tackles and 3.5 sacks for the Falcons.

Why it matters

This trade provides the Jaguars with a potential long-term replacement for veteran defensive tackle Arik Armstead, as Orhorhoro is a cost-controlled, pass-rushing defensive tackle. The move also clears up the Jaguars' defensive tackle depth chart after Smith struggled with injuries and inconsistency over the past two seasons.

The details

In the trade, the Jaguars sent Maason Smith, a 2024 second-round pick, to the Falcons in exchange for Ruke Orhorhoro, a 2024 third-round pick. Smith, who was drafted 48th overall in 2024, had 32 tackles and 3 sacks in 24 games (7 starts) over the past two seasons. Orhorhoro, the 35th overall pick in 2024, recorded 36 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 25 games (8 starts) for the Falcons.

  • The trade was completed on April 17, 2026.

The players

Maason Smith

A third-year defensive tackle who was drafted 48th overall by the Jaguars in 2024. He had 32 tackles and 3 sacks in 24 games (7 starts) over the past two seasons.

Ruke Orhorhoro

A third-year defensive tackle who was drafted 35th overall by the Falcons in 2024. He recorded 36 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 25 games (8 starts) for Atlanta.

James Gladstone

The general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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What they’re saying

“After missing his full rookie campaign due to a dislocated right kneecap, Hodges played 9 straight games (including 1 start) in 2024 before unfortunately going down again, this time due to a significant right knee injury that required a cart and an air cast.”

— Cooper Hodges, Offensive lineman

What’s next

The Jaguars will look to integrate Orhorhoro into their defensive line rotation as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

This trade provides the Jaguars with a cost-controlled, pass-rushing defensive tackle in Ruke Orhorhoro, who could potentially be a long-term replacement for veteran Arik Armstead. The move also clears up the team's defensive tackle depth chart after Maason Smith struggled with injuries and inconsistency over the past two seasons.