Eagles Sign Veteran Edge Rusher, Ex-Lions Star, in Free Agency

Philadelphia, PA – April 4, 2025, 2:30 AM PDT – The Philadelphia Eagles have bolstered their defensive front in a major way, signing veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith to a one-year, $10 million deal, league sources confirmed to ESPN early Friday. Coming off a productive nine-sack season with the Detroit Lions, Smith now joins the reigning Super Bowl LIX champions, who are reloading their pass rush following key offseason departures.

Smith, 32, became one of free agency’s top edge defenders after being released by Detroit in March, a move Lions GM Brad Holmes described as “amicable” due to salary cap pressures. Smith had been slated to make $11 million in 2025, but the Eagles swooped in with cap flexibility—holding $18.125 million at the time—to sign the proven pass-rusher at a discount.

“Za’Darius brings intensity and experience,” said Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. “He’s exactly what we need.”

Filling a Crucial Void

Philadelphia’s elite pass rush, which finished second in the NFL with 62 sacks in 2024, was hit hard this offseason. Josh Sweat signed a 4-year, $76.4 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals, and longtime veteran Brandon Graham is expected to retire. Sweat alone accounted for 10.5 total sacks, including playoffs. Smith’s 9 sacks in 2024 and 36 pressures in just 8 games with Detroit offer a seamless plug-and-play solution.

Smith will join a rotational front that includes rising sophomore Nolan Smith Jr. (6.5 sacks last year), as well as Jalyx Hunt, Azeez Ojulari, and Joshua Uche. With 60.5 career sacks, Smith’s blend of production and leadership will be key as Fangio refines his aggressive scheme.

Fan Buzz & Cap-Savvy Move

Eagles fans erupted on X following the signing.

“Smith with Nolan Smith? Our D-line’s stacked!” one post read.
“Howie’s cooking again!” another user (@EaglesNation) joked, praising GM Howie Roseman’s offseason savvy.

At 32 (and turning 33 in September), Smith isn’t a long-term piece, but his $10 million deal fits snugly under the cap and provides a short-term jolt as the Eagles chase back-to-back Super Bowls.

Smith's arrival underscores Philly’s win-now mentality. With Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and A.J. Brown powering the offense, Roseman is ensuring the defense stays elite. In a stacked NFC, Za’Darius Smith could be the X-factor that keeps the Lombardi Trophy in Philadelphia.