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The veteran pass-rusher had interest from several teams, but chose to come to Philadelphia
Za’Darius Smith, now entering his 11th season, almost signed with the Philadelphia Eagles last Tuesday before the season opener. He chose to hold off, however, to see if the defense truly needed him.
Without Jalen Carter on the field, Philadelphia failed to generate a single sack against Dak Prescott. It was clear they needed some extra juice off the edge, and Smith signed a one-year deal the following Friday.
After his first practice with the team, Smith was asked why he chose the Eagles over other contenders around the league.
“You know, man, I had a lot of teams calling, but I just felt comfortable coming to Philly. I know Ogbo (Okoronkwo), 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 that are here. Dom (DiSandro), one of the head guys.
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. But we’re just going to take it one week at a time and go 1-0 each and every week.”
Smith, who just turned 33, now becomes the most experienced player on Philadelphia’s defense by a wide margin. The three-time Pro Bowler has compiled 69 career sacks, including nine over 17 games with the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions last season. His 14.9% pressure rate in 2024 was higher than that of any Eagles defensive lineman last year.
With the Eagles losing veteran pass-rushers Brandon Graham (retirement) and Josh Sweat (free agency) during the offseason, Smith will be the new mentor for young players like Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt.
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