Za’Darius Smith Enhances Eagles’ Pass Rush in Quest for Super Bowl Glory
The Philadelphia Eagles made a significant move to strengthen their defensive lineup shortly after the start of the season, signing veteran defensive end Za’Darius Smith. As the team gears up for their Week 2 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs—a rematch of Super Bowl LIX—Smith’s addition promises to bolster the Eagles’ pass rush.
A New Force on the Defensive Line
Smith, who stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 270 pounds, immediately stands out among the Eagles’ edge rushers. His imposing size contrasts sharply with his younger teammates, such as Nolan Smith (6-2, 240) and Jalyx Hunt (6-3, 250). At 33 years old, Smith brings a wealth of experience, having played in 140 regular-season games and an additional nine postseason contests. In comparison, Smith and Hunt have a combined total of just 51 regular-season games under their belts.
Eagles linebacker Zack Baun was impressed from the get-go, noting, “He’s a big dude, a big dude.” Defensive tackle Jordan Davis echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of Smith’s experience to the team’s young core. “Obviously, we’re a young group, so any time we have a vet come in, that’s a lot of knowledge,” Davis stated. “It’s necessary because, obviously, I’m just in my fourth year, not even three games in. He’s a physically great player and excited to have him.”
A Perfect Fit for Philly’s Culture
The decision to join the Eagles came swiftly for Smith, who signed with the team just a day after their season opener, a hard-fought 24-20 victory over the Cowboys. During the off-season, Smith received interest from several teams, but he waited for the right opportunity. He found that in Philadelphia, where he hopes to contribute to the franchise’s pursuit of another Super Bowl title.
“I just felt comfortable with coming to Philly,” Smith expressed. “I knew Ogbo [Okoronkwo] when I was in Cleveland, and I talked to him, and he was just telling me about the organization, the locker room, and the great people here. Just the whole team and the culture, man. I love everything about it. Hey, they just got a Super Bowl, and hopefully we can get it again.”
Prepared for the Challenge Ahead
With the highly anticipated rematch against the Chiefs looming, Smith is eager to make an impact. “At the end of the day, it’s still football,” he remarked. “Hit somebody, go off a block, and go make a tackle. I know for sure I’ll give it my all every day on that field. That’s how I look at it.”
Smith’s last appearance on the field was during the Lions’ playoff loss to the Commanders on January 14, which left him feeling a bit winded during his first practice with the Eagles. However, he quickly found his rhythm during team drills. With 69 career sacks—including nine in the previous season—Smith believes he still has plenty of fuel left in the tank as he embarks on his 11th NFL season. He attributes his longevity to the late start he had in football, only beginning to play in his second year of high school.
A Different Path Than Past Acquisitions
Eagles fans may recall the situation with Robert Quinn, who joined the team from Chicago in 2022 boasting 102 career sacks but failed to register a single one during his brief tenure in Philly. Smith, however, is confident that his experience and youth in the game will yield a different outcome. “I’m still young in the game,” he said, ready to embrace his new role and contribute to a team with championship aspirations.
