In a bold move to bolster their defensive front, the Philadelphia Eagles made waves on Friday by signing veteran defensive end Za’Darius Smith, a three-time Pro Bowl selection with a proven track record of quarterback devastation. To accommodate the roster addition, fullback Ben VanSumeren was placed on Injured Reserve after suffering a knee injury during the opening kickoff of Thursday night’s thrilling victory.
At 32 years old, Za’Darius Smith brings a wealth of experience and ferocity to Philadelphia’s pass rush. Entering his 11th NFL season, the 6-foot-4, 275-pound edge rusher has racked up an impressive 69 career sacks, 173 quarterback hits, 85 tackles for loss, and 10 forced fumbles across 140 regular-season games, with 96 starts. A former second-team All-Pro in 2020 with the Green Bay Packers, Smith has also earned Pro Bowl nods twice with the Packers and once in 2022 with the Minnesota Vikings.
Smith’s impact was undeniable last season. Starting with the Cleveland Browns before a midseason trade to the Detroit Lions, he notched nine sacks and showcased his dominance in eight regular-season games with Detroit. From Week 11 onward, he ranked fourth in the NFL with 34 quarterback pressures and fifth in quarterback pressure rate (16.7%, minimum 150 pass rushes, per Next Gen Stats), playing at least 30 snaps in all but one game. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses has been a hallmark of his career, with three double-digit sack seasons, including a career-high 13.5 in 2019.
A versatile force who has thrived in multiple defensive schemes across five teams, Smith adds veteran leadership and depth to an Eagles edge room already brimming with young talent. Third-year standout Nolan Smith and second-year pro Jalyx Hunt anchor the group, joined by Joshua Uche, Ogbo Okoronkwo, and Azeez Ojulari. With Smith’s arrival, Philadelphia’s pass rush is poised to become even more formidable.
Originally a fourth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens out of Kentucky, Za’Darius Smith has been a cornerstone of two No. 1-ranked defenses in his career. His addition signals the Eagles’ intent to dominate in the trenches and pursue championship glory. As the team continues to build momentum, Smith’s relentless energy and proven production could be the spark that elevates their defense to elite status.