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

Philadelphia, PA – April 04, 2025, 02:30 AM PDT
The Philadelphia Eagles have strengthened their pass rush, signing veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith to a one-year, $10 million deal in free agency, sources confirmed to ESPN on Friday. The former Detroit Lions standout, fresh off a nine-sack season, joins Philly as the defending Super Bowl LIX champions aim to fortify their defense after key offseason losses.

Smith, 32, became a free-agent gem when the Lions released him in March, despite a 2025 contract worth $11 million. Detroit GM Brad Holmes cited cap constraints, calling the move “amicable” at the NFL owners’ meeting. “We couldn’t afford him,” Holmes said. The Eagles, with $18.125 million in cap space, seized the opportunity, signing the proven vet for less than his Lions tag to address a pressing need 

Philly’s pass rush took a hit with Josh Sweat’s departure to the Cardinals (4-year, $76.4 million) and Brandon Graham’s likely retirement. The team’s 2024 sack total (62, second in the NFL) relied heavily on Sweat’s 8 regular-season sacks and 2.5 in the playoffs. Smith’s arrival fills that gap. Last season, he notched 9 sacks—his fourth-best career mark—proving the 33-year-old (by September) still has plenty left. “Za’Darius brings intensity and experience,” DC Vic Fangio said. “He’s exactly what we need.”

Smith joins a rotation with Nolan Smith Jr. (6.5 sacks in 2024) and Jalyx Hunt, alongside recent signings Azeez Ojulari and Joshua Uche. With 60.5 career sacks, Smith’s veteran presence—highlighted by 36 pressures in 8 games with the Lions—adds depth and grit. He’s a short-term boost for a team eyeing another Super Bowl run

Eagles Nation is buzzing on X: “Smith with Nolan Smith? Our D-line’s stacked!” one fan tweeted. “Howie’s cooking again!” another added (@EaglesNation). Smith’s $10 million deal fits snugly, leaving Roseman flexibility. At 32, Smith isn’t the future—but he’s a now solution for a title defense.