Social media reacts to Jaguars trading Maason Smith for Ruke Orhorhoro
admin_news
The Jacksonville Jaguars traded defensive tackle Maason Smith to the Atlanta Falcons, and in return are receiving defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro.
The addition of Orhorhoro doesn't solve the Jaguars' need at defensive tackle, but his presence could provide more pass rush juice, which is an element that was missing from the interior last season.
In regard to Smith, what his role was going to look like in Jacksonville for the 2026 season was an unknown after he was a healthy scratch for the final three games of the 2025 season.
Smith and Orhorhoro were both second-round picks in the 2024 draft, selections made by GMs who are no longer with the Jaguars and Falcons. The swap between Jacksonville and Atlanta provides a fresh start for both defenders.
Following this news, let's check in on how the rest of the NFL world is responding to this trade.
NFL world reacts to Jaguars - Falcons' Maason Smith, Ruke Orhorhoro trade
The 35th pick in the 2024 NFL draft gets traded for the 48th pick in the 2024 NFL draft! https://t.co/HBmWG0kIyR— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 17, 2026
Gladstone already making moves ahead other draft https://t.co/akz5F65wyi— Jason Hamby (@Jason_Hamby14) April 17, 2026
Another player for player trade by Gladstone 💥
Both 3rd year, 2nd round penetrating 3T DTs were selected in the top 50 of the 2024 draft. A change of scenery seemed ideal for both players
Orhorhoro has 3.5 career sacks (all in 2025). Smith has 3.0 (all in 2024) https://t.co/AuNbWzKxiw— 𝕋𝕣𝕒𝕧𝕚𝕤 🅓. ℍ𝕠𝕝𝕞𝕖𝕤 (@TravisDHolmes) April 17, 2026
Couple of 2nd Rounders that were over drafted based on consensus and our pre-draft scores.
I do think Orhorhoro can help as a depth player though. https://t.co/89Lw3TzlHd— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) April 17, 2026
Smith prob would’ve been fighting for a roster spot so this seems preeeeeeetty good https://t.co/PEzL2Cr5QN— Gus Logue (@gus_logue) April 17, 2026
Ruke: 35th overall pick in 2024. 706 career defensive snaps over two seasons
Maason: 48th overall pick in 2024. 656 career defensive snaps over two seasons
Both players could use fresh starts https://t.co/VTe88Mp6WH— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) April 17, 2026
When we said the Falcons need to free Ruke from playing NT we didnt mean they had to trade him 😂 @NFLSEshowhttps://t.co/3wHTRm7ulE— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) April 17, 2026
The uber-rare player-for-player at the same position trade! https://t.co/10kNbpG2VL— Jacob Nierob (@JNierob) April 17, 2026
🛎️ https://t.co/w6tjgA6LWU— Jamal St. Cyr (@JStCyrTV) April 17, 2026
Trade makes a ton of sense for both sides.
Both guys get a fresh start. https://t.co/op7XUsxO03— Jamal St. Cyr (@JStCyrTV) April 17, 2026
Orhorhoro had 3.5 sacks last year w/ #Falcons; both he and Maason Smith drafted in 2024.
Wish I still had my interview with him from the Combine b/c he loves him some fellow @ClemsonFB Tiger Trevor Lawrence https://t.co/zRY4lYoj8c— Mia O'Brien (@MiaOBrienTV) April 17, 2026
#Jaguars 2025 DT Pressures:
48- Arik Armstead
30- Ruke Orhorhoro (🚨)
11- Maason Smith
11- DaVon Hamilton
4- Matt Dickerson
2- Austin Johnson https://t.co/YMzoWD801q— Daniel Griffis (@DanDGriffis) April 17, 2026
#NFL TRADE#Jaguars Acquire
DL Ruke Orhorhoro
2026: $1.7M (gtd)
2027: $2.1M ($966k gtd)#Falcons Acquire
DE Maason Smith
2026: $1.5M ($1.1M gtd)
2027: $1.8M
Atlanta takes on $2M of dead cap, forfeiting $835k of space.
Jacksonville takes on $1.3M of dead cap, forfeiting…— Spotrac (@spotrac) April 17, 2026
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars - Falcons Maason Smith, Ruke Orhorhoro trade reactions
