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Eagles Could Land $77 Million ‘Sack Machine’ in Shocking Offseason Move!

Posted on June 18, 2025 - 2:08 am by

The Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off their Super Bowl victory, are not resting on their laurels. With a relentless drive to maintain an elite defense in 2025, the defending champions are eyeing a surprising move to bolster their pass rush. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox recently highlighted edge rusher as the Eagles’ most pressing need this late in the offseason, suggesting veteran free agent Preston Smith as a perfect fit to elevate their defensive line.

Preston Smith: A Quietly Dominant Force

Preston Smith, a 6-foot-6, 270-pound defensive end, has carved out a remarkable yet under-the-radar NFL career. Despite earning approximately $77.3 million over a decade, Smith has never made a Pro Bowl or earned All-Pro honors—a puzzling oversight given his consistent production. His durability is unmatched, having played in 163 of a possible 164 regular-season games across 10 seasons, averaging 7.4 sacks per year.

Smith’s journey began at Mississippi State, where he dominated in 2014 with 48 tackles, 9.0 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles, earning All-SEC honors. Selected 38th overall by the Washington Commanders in the 2015 NFL Draft, Smith quickly established himself as a reliable starter, making 138 career starts. He has recorded at least 8.0 sacks in six seasons, peaking at 12.0 in 2019 with the Green Bay Packers, and has never dipped below 4.0 sacks in a single year. His versatility shines through with 5 career interceptions and 27 pass deflections, showcasing his rare blend of size, athleticism, and instincts.

After four seasons in Washington, Smith signed a 4-year, $52 million deal with Green Bay in 2019, followed by a 4-year, $52.5 million extension in 2022. Traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers midway through 2024, he was released on February 14, 2025, making him a free agent poised for a new chapter.

Why Smith Fits the Eagles’ Vision

The Eagles’ pass-rushing unit has undergone significant changes this offseason. While general manager Howie Roseman added Josh Uche and Azeez Ojulari in free agency, the team lost key contributors: Josh Sweat and Bryce Huff (traded to the San Francisco 49ers) and Brandon Graham (retired). Knox notes that Philadelphia’s new-look pass-rush rotation is functional but could benefit from a proven veteran like Smith, who offers more consistent production than a bigger name like Von Miller.

Smith’s reliability, versatility, and sack production make him an ideal candidate to complement the Eagles’ already formidable defense. His ability to disrupt quarterbacks and create turnovers aligns perfectly with Philadelphia’s aggressive defensive philosophy.

A Super Bowl Opportunity and Contract Fit

The Eagles can offer Smith something few teams can: a legitimate shot at a Super Bowl ring. As defending champions with elite talent on both sides of the ball, Philadelphia is primed for a repeat in 2025. Smith, at this stage of his career, may prioritize joining a contender over chasing a massive payday.

Financially, the Eagles could start with a 1-year, $3 million contract, with flexibility to increase to $5 million if necessary. This cost-effective deal would allow Philadelphia to add a “sack machine” without straining their salary cap, ensuring they maintain the depth needed for a championship run.

Final Thoughts

Preston Smith’s addition would be a shocking yet strategic move for the Eagles, signaling their commitment to excellence. With a career defined by durability, production, and quiet dominance, Smith could be the missing piece to keep Philadelphia’s defense elite in 2025. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Howie Roseman to see if he pulls the trigger on this game-changing acquisition.