Eagles Add Savvy Veteran Pass Rusher Za'Darius Smith

Everyone knows the phrase “the rich get richer,” and recently, that saying has become synonymous with the Philadelphia Eagles. On Friday afternoon, the Eagles bolstered their already formidable pass rush by signing veteran defensive end Za'Darius Smith. At 32 years old, Smith is a seasoned force entering his 11th NFL season, bringing a wealth of experience and proven production to Philadelphia’s defense.

Smith is a three-time Pro Bowl selection, earning those honors twice during his time with the Green Bay Packers and most recently in 2022 with the Minnesota Vikings. His elite performance was further recognized in 2020 when he was named a second-team All-Pro while with the Packers. Last season, Smith began with the Cleveland Browns before being traded to the Detroit Lions, where he finished the year strong with nine sacks, reaffirming his role as a consistent threat to opposing quarterbacks.

Originally drafted in the fourth round by the Baltimore Ravens out of the University of Kentucky, Za'Darius Smith has built an impressive résumé over 140 regular-season games, including 96 starts. His career numbers speak volumes: 69 sacks, 173 quarterback hits, 85 tackles for loss, and 10 forced fumbles. With his blend of experience, athleticism, and relentless motor, Smith adds a critical dimension to an Eagles defense that’s already known for its tenacity, making them an even tougher unit to contend with moving forward.