The Philadelphia Eagles have been thrown a major curveball with veteran edge rusher Za'Darius Smith.
According to a post on social media, Smith has unexpectedly announced his retirement from the NFL six weeks into the 2025 NFL season.
The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports Smith's reason for retiring is a personal one and has nothing to do with the Eagles.
"I’m told Za’Darius Smith’s decision to retire is a personal one. It has nothing to do with the Eagles," Russini wrote.
Smith was inked to a one-year deal by Philly right after the team's Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys. He has played in all five games since and tallied 1.5 sacks, two tackles for loss and 10 pressures.
He was on the field for the Eagles' Week 6 loss to the New York Giants, when he played a season-low 17 snaps.
"I knew this day would come — but now that it’s here, I’m feeling so many emotions I never expected," Smith wrote in the Instagram post.
"And to the fans — the biggest thank you of all," he added. "To every fan from each organization I represented: thank you, thank you, thank you for everything! From wearing my jerseys, collecting my cards, sending letters, sharing your opinions (good and tough ones alike), and most importantly — showing love. I felt it all."
The Eagles were already expected to be in the market for an edge rusher at the trade deadline, but now their need is even more prominent.
Look for Howie Roseman to get aggressive in the lead up to the Nov. 4 deadline.
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