The Philadelphia Eagles are stacking their roster for another Super Bowl run, and their latest move has the city buzzing. Just one day after dismantling the Dallas Cowboys, the Eagles inked a one-year deal with three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Za’Darius Smith, a 32-year-old pass-rushing force. The signing bolsters an already formidable defense, and Smith didn’t hesitate to reveal the unexpected factor that sealed his decision to join Philly: the Eagles’ beloved security chief, “Big Dom” DiSandro.
“I had a lot of teams calling, but Philly just felt right,” Smith said during his introductory press conference, a grin spreading across his face. “I talked to Ogbo [Okoronkwo], my old teammate from Cleveland, and he raved about the organization, the locker room, and the people here. But let me tell you, Dom—man, I love Dom. That dude’s energy, his vibe, it’s something special. He’s a big reason I chose Philly.”
Smith’s admiration for DiSandro, a longtime fixture in the Eagles’ organization known for his larger-than-life presence, underscores the unique culture that’s propelled Philadelphia to the top of the NFL. “This team, this city, this culture—it’s different,” Smith continued. “They just won a Super Bowl, and I’m here to help them get another. We’re taking it one week at a time, going 1-0 every Sunday.”
Smith brings a wealth of experience to an Eagles edge-rushing unit looking to fill gaps left by injuries and departures. With Bryce Huff, Brandon Graham, and Josh Sweat sidelined or moved on, Philly has leaned on young talents like Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt. Now, Za’Darius Smith adds a veteran spark, with a résumé that boasts 69 career sacks, 173 quarterback hits, 85 tackles for loss, and 10 forced fumbles across 140 regular-season games, including 96 starts.
In 2024 alone, Smith racked up nine sacks and 17 quarterback hits while splitting time between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions. A fourth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens out of Kentucky in 2015, he’s also suited up for the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, earning Pro Bowl nods in three separate seasons. His versatility and relentless motor make him a perfect fit for a Philly defense that thrives on disruption.
Smith wasted no time getting to work. Less than a week into his Eagles tenure, he’s already itching to hit the field against the Kansas City Chiefs in a marquee matchup. “I’m ready, man,” Smith said, his excitement palpable. “First day back, I’m already getting in the backfield, working with the young guys, coordinating our rushes. We’re focused on containing that quarterback and making plays. I’m good to go for Sunday.”
His new teammates have taken notice of his energy. Smith’s leadership and knack for mentoring younger players, like Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt, are already paying dividends in practice. “It’s about rushing as a unit,” he explained. “We’re out there talking, planning, making sure we’re on the same page. I love competing with these guys.”
Smith’s arrival is more than just a roster move—it’s a statement. The Eagles are all-in for another championship, and their new defensive end is fully bought into the vision. With Big Dom’s infectious enthusiasm helping seal the deal, Smith is ready to embrace the passionate Philly fanbase and the team’s relentless pursuit of greatness.
As the Eagles gear up to face the Chiefs, all eyes will be on Za’Darius Smith to see how he meshes with his new squad. If his first week is any indication, Philly’s pass rush just got a whole lot scarier—and Big Dom deserves a tip of the cap for helping make it happen.