Jaguars trade Maason Smith to Falcons for Ruke Orhorhoro

Analyzing the winners and losers of the latest Jaguars roster move

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:12pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a football game or match, with sharp geometric planes in the official colors of the teams involved, conceptually representing the strategic trade between the Jaguars and Falcons.The Jaguars' trade of Maason Smith to the Falcons for Ruke Orhorhoro represents a calculated gamble as both teams look to improve their defensive line.Today in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Jaguars have traded defensive tackle Maason Smith to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for defensive end Ruke Orhorhoro. This move has created both winners and a loser within the Jaguars organization.

Why it matters

The Jaguars are looking to improve their defensive line through this trade, as Orhorhoro is seen as a more versatile and productive player compared to Smith. The move also frees up cap space for the Jaguars to potentially make other roster improvements.

The details

In the trade, the Jaguars sent Maason Smith, a 2023 third-round draft pick, to the Falcons in exchange for Ruke Orhorhoro and a 2024 fifth-round pick. Orhorhoro, a former fifth-round pick, has shown promise as a pass rusher and run defender, while Smith struggled to make an impact in his first two NFL seasons with the Jaguars.

  • The trade was completed on April 18, 2026.

The players

Maason Smith

A defensive tackle who was a third-round pick of the Jaguars in 2023 but failed to live up to expectations in his first two NFL seasons.

Ruke Orhorhoro

A defensive end who was a fifth-round pick of the Falcons in 2024 and has shown promise as a pass rusher and run defender.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The NFL team that initiated the trade, looking to improve their defensive line.

Atlanta Falcons

The NFL team that acquired Maason Smith in the trade, looking to add depth to their defensive line.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This trade gives us a chance to add a talented young player in Ruke Orhorhoro while also freeing up some cap space. We're excited to see what he can bring to our defense.”

— Trent Baalke, General Manager, Jacksonville Jaguars

“Maason has a lot of potential, and we're hopeful that a change of scenery will help him unlock that potential. We're glad to add him to our defensive line rotation.”

— Terry Fontenot, General Manager, Atlanta Falcons

What’s next

The Jaguars will look to integrate Orhorhoro into their defensive line rotation, while the Falcons will hope that a change of scenery will help Maason Smith reach his potential.

The takeaway

This trade represents a calculated risk for both teams, as they look to improve their defensive line units. The Jaguars are betting on Orhorhoro's upside, while the Falcons are hoping to unlock Maason Smith's potential. The success of this trade will depend on how both players perform in their new environments.