It's been a bumpy couple of weeks for the Philadelphia Eagles, but a curveball that nobody expected is a veteran edge-rusher hanging up the boots a little over a quarter of the way into the season.
Za'Darius Smith took to Instagram on Monday to announce his NFL retirement after a stunning 11-year career that saw him earn three Pro Bowl nods. He ends his NFL chapter with 70.5 sacks, 343 total tackles, 10 forced fumbles, 81 TFL, and 176 QB hits.
Smith joined the Eagles at the beginning of the new season in hopes he would add a veteran presence to a young pass-rush that lost a significant amount of depth this past offseason. Through 5 games, Smith had 1.5 sacks for the Birds along with 3 QB hits.
The 32-year-old has enjoyed a storied NFL career, and losing him at a point where this Eagles team is wobbling is certainly unfortunate. With Nolan Smith still sidelined and depth now absolutely minimal, don't be shocked to see Howie Roseman working the phones in order to fortify the position with the stakes continuing to rise for a team that has lost that Super Bowl mojo.
https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1977763460634079365
We wish Za'Darius all the best in his life after Football, and I think we can all agree he has left his mark on every organization he's played for, including his short stint with the Birds.
As for what's next for Philly? It's time to scour the trade market...
