# Steve Kubitza: Kubitza suggests that Kevin Stefanski's Falcons may lure veteran pass rusher Za'Darius Smith away from Cleveland, signing him in Atlanta instead of the Browns. **Claimed:** Aug 17, 2026 **Pundit:** Steve Kubitza — https://missedtakes.co/pundits/steve-kubitza **Outlet:** Sports Illustrated — https://missedtakes.co/outlets/sports-illustrated **How it reached us:** published in writing **Original:** https://www.si.com/nfl/browns/onsi/kevin-stefanski-wants-to-steal-za-darius-smith-from-browns-who-need-edge-help-01m08x6sh6d8 One checkable claim, graded on its own against what actually happened. It names 2 players and teams, each linked to their own record. The call scored 100 out of 100, against 0 for a naive guess at the same calls. > Kevin Stefanski may steal Za'Darius Smith away from the Browns *(their words, quoted for attribution)* ## The claims - **Za'Darius Smith to move to Atlanta Falcons** - Kind: Trade and Signing Calls · About: Za'Darius Smith, Atlanta Falcons - Verdict: scored 100 out of 100, against 0 for a naive guess ## Who this take is about - Za'Darius Smith — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/players/za-darius-smith - Atlanta Falcons — https://missedtakes.co/nfl/teams/falcons ## What others said about the same people - Mary Kay Cabot on Za'Darius Smith: Cabot reported that Za'Darius Smith is expected to sign with the Browns, possibly as early as Sunday, after working out for the team. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/3eb50e55-cb33-43c3-a427-d47904beb7bb (scored 0) - Fox Sports on Michael Penix Jr.: Fox Sports states that a healthy Tua Tagovailoa will serve as Atlanta's backup quarterback in Week 3, with Michael Penix Jr. handling the starting duties against Green Bay. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/a90e69a8-707f-43e9-a63e-cdb3e7bd0829 (scored 100) - Scott Kennedy on Tua Tagovailoa: Kennedy reports that Atlanta is expected to keep three quarterbacks on its 53-man roster: Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr., and undrafted rookie Jack Strand. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/4271fbfe-2320-41d0-a8f0-000ddbb80076 (scored 100) - Tyler Sullivan on Jack Strand: In a rookie quarterback report card following the 2026 preseason, CBS Sports projects Fernando Mendoza opening the year as Kirk Cousins' backup in Las Vegas, Luke Altmyer settling as the Lions' third quarterback behind Joshua Dobbs, and Jack Strand most likely landing on Atlanta's practice squad rather than the 53-man roster. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/d84e8921-bcc5-4864-a4b8-1b0562c2c10c (scored 0) - Carter Bahns on Cooper Rush: A CBS Sports piece names 20 notable veterans it considers at risk of being cut before the 53-man roster deadline, with several pegged for the practice squad or outright release, and also sketches a few depth-chart pecking orders (Titans QBs, Panthers tight ends, Texans receivers, Eagles backfield). — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/94f49c83-2307-4f25-b10c-b1cba9df5dbc (scored 0) - Scott Kennedy on Charlie Woerner: Kennedy projects the Falcons' roster locks: Kyle Pitts Sr., Austin Hooper and Charlie Woerner are locks at tight end, while Drake London, Jahan Dotson, Olamide Zaccheaus and Zachariah Branch are all but locks at receiver. He suggests Cash Jones would claim a sixth receiver spot if Atlanta keeps six, and that Muse, Simon and Velling are bubble players. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/cae55e50-fe46-42ab-86f1-216c02acde05 (scored 100) ## More trade and signing calls The same kind of call, about other players and teams. - Fox Sports on Austin Ekeler: The piece reports, citing ESPN, that Carolina is expected to sign veteran running back Austin Ekeler with Jonathon Brooks sidelined. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/a3aa7c15-e643-4c03-85d9-10aef8b4085a (scored 0) - Brandon Carney on Austin Ekeler: Carney drafted a team of rookies he expects to make an immediate fantasy impact (headlined by Karnell Tate and Makai Lemon), predicted landing spots for the remaining big-name free agents, and gave way-too-early division winners, wild cards and award picks — Patriots, Chargers, Bengals, Jaguars, Eagles, Rams, Vikings and Saints as division champs with Joe Burrow as MVP. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/c4d477da-4fb8-4a25-a904-c5057a249a70 (scored 0) - Adam Carlson on J.J. McCarthy: Carlson names three Vikings he expects could be traded before the end of September: quarterback J.J. McCarthy, wide receiver Jordan Addison and linebacker Ivan Pace. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/65e3f9cf-c441-42a2-baaf-7cd3dbebafad (scored 100) - Greg Auman on J.J. McCarthy: Auman argues no quarterback is likely to replicate Sam Darnold's turnaround this season, but names five candidates. He expects Miami to hold a very high pick in the 2027 draft, and thinks J.J. McCarthy will eventually be traded for a late-round pick or cut by the Vikings. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/9b8eb78e-ddfa-4274-ac8f-17b069e6b87f (scored 100) - Bucky Brooks on J.J. McCarthy: Brooks predicted J.J. McCarthy won't be on the Vikings' roster (traded or released), said Kyler Murray wins the Vikings' QB competition, made a series of 2025 award picks, made 2026 Heisman/draft projections including Arch Manning as the front-runner for the No. 1 overall pick, and said none of Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen or Joe Burrow win a championship this season. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/10c3797b-f9e0-41ca-a2a3-5d765a242a79 (scored 100) - Bryan DeArdo on J.J. McCarthy: Named several players as candidates to be traded before Sunday's cut deadline, including Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy, Cardinals edge Josh Sweat and Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. — https://missedtakes.co/opinions/1efd361e-309f-48ba-ab0a-28d77ff76942 (scored 100) --- Accuracy is 0-100 against what actually happened. The naive guess is what a strategy requiring no knowledge would have scored on the same call — the difference is the skill, and it is what the MissedTakes Score averages. Full method: https://missedtakes.co/methodology We summarize what a pundit said and quote a short span for attribution; we never republish their article. If this is wrong, tell us: https://missedtakes.co/corrections?pundit=steve-kubitza