The Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off their Super Bowl LIX triumph, have been on a relentless mission to fortify their roster for the 2025 season. After a whirlwind offseason that saw them reshape their defensive line, the Eagles made headlines again by signing veteran pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith in free agency. The move, which caught many by surprise, has sparked intrigue across the NFL, and now, Smith has finally revealed the compelling reasons behind his decision to join the reigning champions—a choice that felt like “coming home.”
Philadelphia’s defensive front underwent significant changes during the offseason. Key contributors like Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, and Brandon Graham are no longer with the team, leaving gaps in the Eagles’ pass-rushing arsenal. Determined to maintain their dominance, the Eagles set their sights on Smith, a proven veteran with a knack for disrupting quarterbacks. His signing represents a calculated move to bolster a unit tasked with facing formidable opponents, including a high-stakes Super Bowl LIX rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2.
Smith’s NFL career is a testament to resilience and reinvention. Drafted in the fourth round by the Baltimore Ravens in 2015, he initially carved out a role as a pass-rush specialist before evolving into a full-time force. His breakout 2018 season, where he notched 8.5 sacks, earned him a lucrative four-year, $66 million contract with the Green Bay Packers. In Green Bay, Smith reached new heights, securing Pro Bowl honors in 2019 and 2020, along with a Second-Team All-Pro nod in 2020.
However, a back injury sidelined him for nearly the entire 2021 season, leading to his release from the Packers. Undeterred, Smith bounced back with the Minnesota Vikings, earning another Pro Bowl selection in 2022. His journey continued with stints at the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, where he remained a productive force. In 2024, Smith recorded 35 tackles, nine sacks, and a pass deflection, proving that at 33, his disruptive presence on the field remains as potent as ever.
Despite interest from multiple teams during free agency, Smith chose Philadelphia—a decision that puzzled some given the number of suitors vying for his services. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Smith opened up about what drew him to the City of Brotherly Love.
“I had a lot of teams calling, but I just felt comfortable with coming to Philly,” Smith said. “I know Ogbo (Okoronkwo) from our time together in Cleveland. He was telling me about the organization, the locker room, and the great people here. This whole team and the culture—I love everything about it. They just won a Super Bowl, and hopefully, we can go get it again.”
Smith’s connection with Okoronkwo, a current Eagles defensive end, played a pivotal role in his decision. Their shared history in Cleveland gave Smith insight into Philadelphia’s tight-knit locker room and winning culture. For Smith, signing with the Eagles wasn’t just about joining a contender—it was about finding a place where he could thrive both on and off the field.
As the Eagles prepare for the 2025 season, Smith is eager to hit the ground running. His 2024 performance demonstrates he still possesses the explosiveness and savvy to disrupt opposing offenses. However, integrating into Philly’s defensive scheme will take time as he works to regain his rhythm after a prolonged free-agency period. Once he’s fully acclimated, Smith is poised to become a cornerstone of the Eagles’ pass-rushing efforts, providing the veteran presence and playmaking ability they’ve been seeking.
The Eagles’ Week 2 clash with the Chiefs looms large, and Smith’s role in that game will be under intense scrutiny. His ability to pressure Patrick Mahomes could prove decisive in a matchup that carries the weight of last year’s Super Bowl. For now, Smith is focused on settling in and embracing the opportunity to contribute to a team with championship aspirations.
Za’Darius Smith’s arrival in Philadelphia is more than just a roster move—it’s a statement of intent from a team determined to repeat as Super Bowl champions. His decision to choose the Eagles over other suitors speaks volumes about the organization’s allure and the culture they’ve built. As Smith takes the field on Sunday, all eyes will be on how he meshes with his new teammates and whether he can deliver the pass-rushing spark Philadelphia needs.
For Eagles fans, Smith’s signing is a reason to dream big. With a proven veteran like him in the fold, the road to another Super Bowl just got a little clearer. And for Smith, this feels like more than just a new chapter—it’s a homecoming to a team and a city ready to embrace him as one of their own.