Eagles sign veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith

Field Level Media|published: Fri 5th September, 17:43 2025

Dec 15, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) walks off the field after warm ups before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images

A day after their win to kick off the NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles signed free agent pass rusher Za'Darius Smith.

Smith will join the Eagles on a one-year deal, according to multiple reports. The Eagles moved fullback Ben VanSumeren to injured reserve in a corresponding move Friday.

Smith, 32, is a three-time Pro Bowler who split the 2024 campaign between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, amassing nine sacks and 17 QB hits in 17 games. The Lions acquired Smith at the trade deadline as they mounted a run to the playoffs but did not re-sign him.

Across 140 games with the Baltimore Ravens (2015-18), Green Bay Packers (2019-21), Minnesota Vikings (2022), Browns (2023-24) and Lions, Smith has recorded 69 sacks, 173 QB hits and 333 tackles (85 for loss) along with 10 forced fumbles.

The Eagles' pass rush took a hit this offseason when Brandon Graham retired and Josh Sweat, their 2024 sack leader, left in free agency. One of their offseason signings, Azeez Ojulari, was inactive for Week 1, when the Eagles defeated the visiting Dallas Cowboys 24-20 on Thursday.

VanSumeren, converted from linebacker to fullback, suffered a knee injury on the opening kickoff Thursday.

--Field Level Media