In the 2022 offseason, the new regime around Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell wanted to pair star pass-rusher Danielle Hunter with another good edge-defender, especially because Hunter had missed all but seven games in the previous two campaigns.
Ex-Vikings Pro Bowler Stuns with Retirement
They found the new running mate in free agency when the Green Bay Packers said goodbye to a player who had haunted the purple squad in the past.
Za’Darius Smith was suddenly on the market, and he wanted to stick it to his former employer. Ultimately, Smith signed with the Vikings. An injury slowed him down in 2021, which certainly gave the Vikings a chance to snatch a discount. Playing the Packers twice might have lowered the price even further.
Three years and seven months later, Smith announced his retirement on social media.
The sack hunter wrote, “I knew this day would come — but now that it’s here, I’m feeling so many emotions I never expected … 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. Football has transformed my life and my family’s lives forever — and for that, I’m forever grateful.”
Smith entered the league as a fourth-round pick for the Baltimore Ravens. The University of Kentucky prospect took some time to develop into a ferocious pass-rusher. Green Bay hired the free agent in 2019, and he crossed the state border to the purple side three years later.
After one season, Smith asked to be traded and was shipped to Cleveland. In 2024, the Browns traded him to the Lions halfway through the season, and in the past offseason, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Ironically, the Eagles will face the Vikings on Sunday. Smith will not be part of that crew.
He continued in his farewell message, “To the fans — the biggest thank you of all. 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. As I step into the newest season of my life, please know this game has meant the world to me. The lessons learned on and off the field will stay with me forever.”
This year, Smith played in five of the team’s six games, including last Thursday against the Giants. He added another 1.5 sacks to his career resume in his time with the Eagles. Overall, Smith has played in 145 regular-season games, taking down quarterbacks 70.5 times.
Philadelphia is a little short-staffed now, with Ogbo Okoronkwo and Nolan Smith on IR. The remaining edge-defenders are Jalyx Hunt, Azeez Ojulari, Joshua Uche, and Patrick Johnson.
The Athletic wrote after the surprising announcement, “The Eagles typically carry five edge rushers on game days. General manager Howie Roseman is now in a spot where he must consider making an addition. They could promote their sixth-round pick, Antwaun Powell-Ryland, from the practice squad, but such a move doesn’t suggest the Eagles would make up for the proficiency they are losing with Smith’s retirement. Smith led the room with 1 1/2 sacks. Patrick Johnson is the only other edge rusher to record a sack.”
In the offseason, the Eagles lost top rusher Josh Sweat to the Arizona Cardinals. The team’s strength is still a strong interior defensive line, but the Eagles look far more beatable than they did a year ago.
A trade is certainly an option, but that’s unlikely to happen within the next few days.
Smith turned 33 last month, and he won’t go after J.J. McCarthy or Carson Wentz.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.
