The Eagles started their title defense with a nail-biting 24-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys, but the victory didn’t come without red flags. Philly’s defense, which carried them through last season’s Super Bowl run, looked far from dominant. The Cowboys churned out 119 yards on the ground andDak Prescott walked away without a single sack against him.
The cracks weren’t shocking. Philadelphia lost multiple pillars from last year’s front seven: Brandon Graham retired, Milton Williams left for New England, and Josh Sweat landed in Arizona. Things went from concerning to worse when defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected before the very first snap.
That’s all the evidence GM Howie Roseman needed. Just a day later, he pulled the trigger on a deal that could change the trajectory of the season.
Eagles Move Fast, Land Za’Darius Smith
The Eagles signed veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith to a one-year contract reportedly worth up to $9 million with incentives. Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler with 69 career sacks, gives defensive coordinator Vic Fangio an immediate answer to the pass-rush problem.
Last season, Smith split time between Cleveland and Detroit, notching nine sacks and 17 QB hits. He’s been a postseason regular, reaching consecutive NFC title games with the Packers and helping the Lions advance to last year’s Divisional Round. What he hasn’t done-yet-is play in a Super Bowl. With Philadelphia, that chance feels very real.
The timing couldn’t be more urgent. Next week brings a road test against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, the very team Philly beat in February’s Super Bowl. If the Eagles hope to slow down the league’s most dangerous quarterback, Smith’s presence off the edge could prove critical.
Alongside younger rushers like Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt, plus free-agent pickup Josh Uche, the 32-year-old veteran adds experience, leadership, and a proven knack for making big plays.
Philadelphia fans won’t have to wait long to see if the move pays off. With the champs eyeing a repeat, Za’Darius Smith arrives as both a band-aid and a potential game-changer.
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