Veteran Pass Rusher Joins Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Eagles have made a significant move to enhance their defensive line, signing veteran defensive end Za’Darius Smith to a one-year, $9 million contract on Friday, September 5, 2025. The signing comes just one day after the team’s season-opening victory, signaling a clear intent to fortify their pass-rushing capabilities for a deep playoff run.
To accommodate Smith on the 53-man roster, the Eagles placed fullback Ben VanSumeren on Injured Reserve. VanSumeren suffered a knee injury during the opening kickoff of Thursday night’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.
A Proven and Decorated Career
Smith, who will turn 33 just days after signing, brings a wealth of experience and a decorated resume to Philadelphia. Entering his 11th NFL season, he is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and was named a second-team All-Pro in 2020. Originally a fourth-round draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2015, Smith has consistently proven his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
Throughout his career, Smith has played for the Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, and Detroit Lions, making the Eagles his sixth NFL team. His track record of success includes:
- Career Sacks: 69.0
- Quarterback Hits: 173
- Tackles for Loss: 85
- Forced Fumbles: 10
The 6-foot-4, 275-pound lineman has recorded three seasons with double-digit sacks, including a career-high 13.5 sacks with the Packers in 2019.
Recent Journey and Performance
Smith’s 2024 season showcased his continued impact. He began the year with the Cleveland Browns before being traded to the Detroit Lions ahead of the trade deadline. In 17 total games split between the two teams, he amassed nine sacks, proving he remains a formidable threat off the edge. During his eight-game stint with the Lions, he ranked fourth in the league with 34 quarterback pressures, according to Next Gen Stats, as reported by digitaltrendstoday.com. After being released by the Lions in March 2025, there was speculation about a potential reunion before he ultimately landed in Philadelphia.
Impact on the Eagles’ Defense
The addition of Smith provides the Eagles with another elite pass-rusher and valuable veteran leadership. He joins a talented and deep edge rusher room that includes third-year player Nolan Smith, second-year pro Jalyx Hunt, Joshua Uche, Ogbo Okoronkwo, and Azeez Ojulari. Smith’s versatility allows him to be effective in various defensive schemes, a trait that will be highly valued by the Eagles’ coaching staff.
By signing Smith after the first game of the season, the Eagles also gain a degree of financial flexibility. Because he was signed after Week 1, his salary for the 2025 season is not fully guaranteed, meaning the team would not be obligated to pay the full amount if he were to be released later in the year. This strategic timing allows the team to add a high-impact player while mitigating long-term financial risk.
This acquisition underscores the Eagles’ commitment to building a championship-caliber defense. Smith’s proven ability to pressure the quarterback will be a critical asset as Philadelphia aims to dominate the line of scrimmage throughout the 2025 season.
