Eagles Sign Za'Darius Smith to Boost Pass Rush

The Philadelphia Eagles are adding veteran pass rusher Za'Darius Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler, to a one-year deal.

After the Eagles' opening night win over Dallas, where they didn't record one sack, the team is adding a veteran player who registered nine sacks last season and has 69 sacks in 140 career games.

Smith’s Impressive Pressure Rate and Experience

As our buddy Jeff Kerr from CBS Sports points out, Smith had 63 pressures last season with 17 QB hits and a 15.9% pressure rate between Cleveland and Detroit. Over the past two seasons, Smith has registered 123 pressures, resulting in a pressure rate of 16.2%.

Second-year player Jalyx Hunt and third-year player Nolan Smith, along with Josh Uche and Patrick Johnson, didn't generate much of a pass rush against Dak Prescott. Offseason free agent addition Azeez Ojalari was inactive for the game after signing a one-year, $4 million contract. Smith, 32, gives the Eagles defense another option to rush the passer, but gives them a veteran player to a very young defense.

Ben VanSumeren’s Season Ends Early

On the flip side, the Eagles placed fullback Ben VanSumeren on injured reserve with a torn patella tendon, ending his season. The injury happened on the opening kickoff and appeared to be a non-contact injury.

Last season, Van Sumeren, a converted linebacker, suffered a season-ending knee injury during practice, and the team replaced him with fullback Khari Blasingame. Blasingame appeared in three regular-season games for the Eagles and all four playoff games but did not record a carry. He is currently a free agent.

What You Missed at Jason Kelce's 2025 Event in Sea Isle City

For the fifth year, Eagles Legend Jason Kelce was back in Sea Isle City raising money for the Eagles Autism Foundation. We have gathered the top highlights from the Summer 2025 edition of the Shore Birds Fundraising event

Gallery Credit: Josh Hennig/Townsquare Media

Filed Under: Philadelphia Eagles