Jaguars trade DT Maason Smith to Falcons for DT Ruke Orhorhoro

TL;DR

The Jacksonville Jaguars traded defensive tackle Maason Smith to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for Ruke Orhorhoro. Both players were third-year defensive tackles from the 2024 draft class, with Orhorhoro moving to Jacksonville and Smith heading to Atlanta.

Key points

Jaguars traded Maason Smith to Falcons for Ruke Orhorhoro
Both players are third-year defensive tackles from the 2024 draft
Smith struggled with injuries and was a healthy scratch multiple times
Orhorhoro had better stats in fewer games than Smith
Jaguars also waived offensive lineman Cooper Hodges

Jacksonville JaguarsAtlanta FalconsMaason SmithRuke Orhorhoro

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 23: Ruke Orhorhoro #98 of the Atlanta Falcons runs across the field during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on November 23, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Jacksonville Jaguars’ first trade of the 2026 offseason is officially in the books! The Jaguars and Atlanta Falcons have exchanged third-year defensive tackles: Ruke Orhorhoro (Oh-row-row-row), the 35th overall pick in 2024, is now headed to Duval; Maason Smith, the 48th pick in the same draft class, is en route to the ATL. Over the past two years, Smith totaled 32 tackles and 3 sacks across 24 regular season games (7 starts). Orhorhoro accrued 36 tackles and 3.5 sacks over 25 games (8 starts). Off rip, this looks like a win for Jacksonville. Smith picked up a calf injury last offseason that he didn’t seem to ever fully recover from, as the team made him a healthy scratch multiple times in 2025 in favor of Matt Dickerson (who was re-signed earlier this offseason). Smith never seemed like a clean fit for the Jaguars’ new regime. His roster spot in 2026 was hardly a guarantee. For general manager James Gladstone to receive *any* compensation out of the former Trent Baalke project is good stuff. The fact that the return is a cost-controlled, pass-rushing defensive tackle is even better. The Jaguars also waived offensive lineman , who attended nearby Baker County High School and was drafted in the seventh round in 2023. 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. Last June, the Appalachian State product was waived following a failed physical and reverted to the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list. Wishing nothing but the best to Cooper! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Q&A

What are the stats for Maason Smith and Ruke Orhorhoro?

Maason Smith recorded 32 tackles and 3 sacks in 24 games, while Ruke Orhorhoro had 36 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 25 games.

Why did the Jaguars trade Maason Smith?

The Jaguars traded Maason Smith due to his injury struggles and lack of fit within the team's new regime, making his roster spot uncertain for 2026.

What impact will Ruke Orhorhoro have on the Jaguars' defense?

Ruke Orhorhoro is expected to provide a cost-controlled, pass-rushing option for the Jaguars' defense, potentially enhancing their defensive line.