Eagles pass rusher Za'Darius Smith announces retirement midway through 11th NFL season

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Za’Darius Smith joined the Philadelphia Eagles one week into their Super Bowl title defense and has produced 1.5 sacks in his role as a rotational veteran pass rusher.

But after five games into his 11th NFL season, the 33-year-old announced his retirement on social media Monday morning.

“This game has given me the opportunity to meet great coaches, compete alongside some of the best players ever, and represent some of the greatest organizations in the league,” Smith wrote. “Football has transformed my life and my family’s lives forever — and for that, I’m forever grateful.”

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The Eagles’ edge-rushing depth will take a hit with Smith’s retirement. Jalyx Hunt, Josh Uche, Patrick Johnson and Azeez Ojulari are the remaining edge rushers for an Eagles team that ranks in the bottom third of the league with 9.0 sacks through six games this season. Nolan Smith, who was placed on injured reserve earlier this season with a triceps injury, is expected to return at some point. Eagles first-round rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell has also been used in the edge rotation and might see more snaps there.

Philadelphia could look to bolster the position ahead of Nov. 4’s trade deadline, with a handful of pass rushers available, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported this past weekend.

Smith began his playing career late in high school and worked his way to the University of Kentucky as a community college transfer. He was selected as a fourth-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, with whom he flashed great potential as a spot starter before hitting free agency ahead of the 2019 season.

The Packers proceeded to sign Smith to a hefty contract based off that promise. It was in Green Bay where he solidified himself as an energetic playmaker who caused havoc in the pocket for opposing quarterbacks, producing 26.0 sacks, 60 QB hits, 29 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles in his first two seasons.

A back injury shelved Smith one game into 2021, a precursor to him becoming a cap casualty in Green Bay. Smith stayed in the NFC North in 2022, signing with the Minnesota Vikings and notching his third-career 10-plus sack season in a comeback campaign that landed him his third Pro Bowl selection.

The Cleveland Browns acquired Smith’s services the following offseason via trade. He’d get traded back into the NFC North midway through the 2024 season as the Detroit Lions were in desperate need of help along an injury-ravaged campaign.

Smith’s successful career ends with 70.5 sacks, 176 QB hits and 10 forced fumbles in 145 career games (98 starts).

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