Following Thursday night’s disappointing defensive performance, the Philadelphia Eagles are signing veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith.
Eagles To Sign DE Za’Darius Smith
Za’Darius Smith had an 18.7% pass rush win rate (7th) and 63 pressures (T-12th) last year 🦅
— PFF (@PFF) September 5, 2025
Help is on the way for the Eagles’ defensive line.
Smith and the Eagles have agreed to terms on a one-year contract, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Friday.
The team later announced the signing.
Smith, a 32-year-old free agent, had been one of the top pass rushers still available on the market.
Smith reportedly had an interest in re-signing with the Detroit Lions in June. However, nothing ever materialized, and Smith remained unsigned. Now, he joins the defending Super Bowl champions fresh off their Week 1 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
Smith entered the league as a fourth-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2015.
After leading the Ravens in sacks (8.5) in 2018, Smith signed a four-year, $66 million contract with the Green Bay Packers during the 2019 offseason.
Smith posted a career-best 13.5 sacks in 2019. He followed that up with a 12.5-sack season in 2020.
Injuries cost Smith all but one game during the 2021 season. The Packers cut Smith after the year due to save money on the salary cap.
Smith signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Vikings during the 2022 season. He was traded to the Cleveland Browns the following season.
After Aidan Hutchinson was lost for the season, the Lions traded for Smith in November 2024.
Smith has 333 tackles and 69.0 sacks in 10 seasons.
Za’Darius Smith Joins Eagles After Week 1 Victory
Here is Jalen Carter spitting on Dak Prescott: pic.twitter.com/4F5BjEDLHf
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 5, 2025
Before the season, the Eagles’ defensive line was slated to be one of the league’s best units, despite losing Milton Williams and Josh Sweat to free agency.
The defensive line did not look like an elite group against the Dallas Cowboys.
The Eagles registered zero sacks against Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who finished the game 21 of 34 for 188 yards.
The Cowboys had major questions at running back heading into the season. Cowboys running back Javonte Williams rushed for 54 yards and two touchdowns, while Miles Sanders added 53 yards.
The Eagles’ defensive line desperately needed Jalen Carter, who was ejected before recording a snap.
Carter spat on Prescott, which led to a flag and an ejection.
The Eagles held on to win the game 24-20. However, last night’s game emphasized how much the defense needs Carter if they have aspirations of repeating as Super Bowl champions.
