Eagles Add Veteran Za'Darius Smith to Bolster Pass Rush
The Philadelphia Eagles made a headline move just days into the new NFL season, as veteran pass rusher Za'Darius Smith has been signed to a one-year contract. At 32 years old, Smith had been a free agent throughout the offseason, waiting for the right opportunity. That opportunity has now arrived with the defending champions, who clearly felt an urgent need to strengthen their defensive front after a less-than-dominant showing in the season opener.
The news came after Philadelphia’s Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys, a game in which their defense failed to record a single sack on quarterback Dak Prescott. The timing feels intentional — Smith’s addition is being viewed as a direct response to that lack of pressure. The move also came with a corresponding roster adjustment, as fullback Ben VanSumeren was placed on injured reserve to make room.
Also Read:- Over 3,000 Jobs in Rio’s Degase Contest with Extended Deadline
- Scotland Hold Denmark in Fierce World Cup Qualifier
Smith’s journey to this point has been filled with ups and downs. Last season, he split time between the Cleveland Browns and the Detroit Lions after being traded midyear. In total, he finished 2024 with nine sacks and 17 quarterback hits, showing he can still be disruptive at the line of scrimmage. Despite that productivity, no deal came his way during the offseason, even as other pass rushers were picked up across the league. At one point in June, Smith even publicly expressed interest in returning to Detroit, but the Lions decided to go in a different direction.
Instead, Philadelphia has given him the chance to join what is already considered one of the most talented front sevens in football. How he will fit in remains to be seen, since the Eagles already feature young pass rushers like Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt, alongside experienced names such as Josh Uche and Patrick Johnson. But the Eagles’ front office is clearly betting on Smith’s veteran presence and proven ability to generate pressure, especially in big-game moments.
For the Lions, this signing may sting a bit. Detroit had maintained offseason communication with Smith, and he had even stated openly that he wanted to return. But with injuries to key defensive players like Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, and Alim McNeill, the Lions’ pass rush depth has been severely tested. While they invested in younger talent, including rookie Ahmed Hassanein, Smith’s decision to join Philadelphia could be seen as a missed opportunity for Detroit to stabilize its defensive front.
Now, Smith gets to prepare for an immediate test — a Week 2 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs in what is being billed as a Super Bowl rematch. The Eagles are hoping his presence can bring the spark that was missing in their opener, while Smith himself gets the chance to chase another ring in what could be one of the final chapters of his career. For Philadelphia, the signing is both a reinforcement and a statement: their defense is expected to dominate, and no stone will be left unturned in pursuit of another championship run.
Read More:
0 Comments