The Philadelphia Eagles faced a challenging offseason, with their pass rush taking a significant hit due to key departures. Stalwarts Milton Williams and Josh Sweat left in free agency, while veteran Brandon Graham, a two-time Super Bowl champion, retired after 15 years with the team. To address these losses, the Eagles brought in external talent, including Josh Uche, Azeez Ojulari, and 2025 first-round draft pick Jihaad Campbell. However, the team’s success in 2025 may hinge on an internal option: third-year edge rusher Nolan Smith, who has been dubbed the Eagles’ “X-factor” for the upcoming NFL season by Pro Football Focus analysts Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman.
“Philadelphia lost longtime contributors Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham this offseason, which puts third-year man Nolan Smith in the spotlight off the edge,” Chadwick and Wasserman noted. “Smith posted a solid 68.3 PFF pass-rush grade last season as he began to earn more playing time. In Philadelphia’s four postseason games, he racked up 19 pressures and four sacks. If he can produce at that level for a full season, the Eagles will have no problem replacing their departed stars.”
Selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Smith had a modest rookie season, appearing in 17 games without starting and recording just one sack and 18 tackles. However, 2024 marked a breakout year for the 24-year-old. He played in 16 games, starting 10, and significantly upped his production with 6.5 sacks, 42 total tackles, and 11 quarterback hits. His postseason performance further showcased his potential as a disruptive force on the edge.
With a larger role awaiting him in 2025, Smith has the opportunity to prove he’s not just a replacement but a cornerstone for the Eagles’ defensive front. If he can maintain the momentum from his 2024 campaign, Philadelphia’s pass rush may remain a strength despite the offseason losses.