Za’Darius Smith/Getty Images
Even after opening their title defense with a victory over the Dallas Cowboys, the Philadelphia Eagles kept looking for ways to bolster their roster. General manager Howie Roseman did just that by signing veteran defensive lineman Za’Darius Smith to a one-year, $9 million deal.
The move brings another proven pass rusher into a unit that lost longtime leader Brandon Graham, along with Josh Sweat and Milton Williams, this past offseason.
Why Smith Chose Philadelphia
Smith said his decision came down to comfort, culture, and the chance to mentor a younger defensive line group.
“I just felt comfortable with this team because they lost a veteran leader last year in BG (Brandon Graham),” Smith told the team’s website. “It was a great opportunity, great fit for me to come here and basically do what I do and just help the younger guys.”
He noted that he had offers from multiple teams but leaned on familiar connections in Philadelphia. Former teammate Ogbo Okoronkwo played a role in convincing him to join.
“I know Ogbo, we was together in Cleveland. I talked to him and he was just telling me about the organization, the locker room and the great people here,” Smith said. “Dom (DiSandro) … man, I love Dom. Just this whole team and this culture, man. I love everything about it. Hey, they just got a Super Bowl and hopefully we can get it again.”
Smith’s Journey and Resume
The 33-year-old entered the league as a fourth-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2015. He broke out with 8.5 sacks in 2018, earning a lucrative free-agent contract with the Green Bay Packers. In his first two years in Green Bay, he posted back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons, including an All-Pro Second Team nod in 2020.
A back injury derailed his 2021 season, leading to a move to the Minnesota Vikings, where he again reached the Pro Bowl in 2022. Last year, Smith split time between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, tallying nine sacks and 60 quarterback pressures across the season.
Despite sitting unsigned when 2025 began, Smith insisted retirement was never an option.
“Nah, I was playing for sure,” he said. “I’m not hanging it up yet … I got a lot more left in the tank.”
Role in Philly’s Defense
The Eagles will likely ease Smith into action during Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs in a Super Bowl LIX rematch, but he’s confident he’ll contribute right away.
“Yeah, for sure. I’m ready to go, man,” Smith said. “Got back in the backfield a couple times. Just been working with the younger guys on the line, coordinating rushes with each other and basically containing the quarterback. I’m going to be good, I’m going to be ready to go.”
For Philadelphia, the addition strengthens a defensive line rotation that already features Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, Josh Uche, Azeez Ojulari, Patrick Johnson, and Okoronkwo.
Veteran Leadership in Focus
Beyond his production, Smith’s biggest value may be as a mentor. The Eagles are looking to defend their title while developing their next generation of pass rushers, and the veteran believes he can fill the leadership void Graham left behind.
“It was a great opportunity, great fit for me to come here and just help the younger guys,” Smith said. “We’re just going to take it one week at a time and go 1-0 each and every week.”
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