The Philadelphia Eagles have a knack for making the right additions. This time, Howie Roseman's latest move comes just before a showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Just one day after besting the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1 in the NFL's season opener, the Eagles have signed veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith to a one-year deal worth up to $9 million, according to reporter Jordan Schultz.
The timing of Smith's signing couldn’t be more dramatic, with a Week 2 rematch of Super Bowl LIX against the Chiefs waiting on deck.
Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler, brings both production and experience to a defensive front that gave Patrick Mahomes fits the last time around. The Eagles' defensive front feasted on the Chiefs' offensive front, and Mahomes was never comfortable on a night in which the team aiming for a three-peat was the one embarrassed.
At 32 years old, Smith has proven to be a disruptive presence across multiple stops in the NFL, including with the Ravens, Packers, Vikings, Browns, and Lions. Last season, Smith recorded 9 sacks while splitting time between Cleveland and Detroit, proving he still had plenty in the tank even 10 seasons in the league.
In his career, Smith has 85 tackles for loss, 69 sacks, 16 pass deflections, and 10 forced fumbles. His best year came in 2020 when he earned second-team All-Pro honors with a 12.5 sack campaign.
As for the Chiefs, they still have yet to play in Week 1, so there are lots of questions about how a remade offensive line is going to perform against the L.A. Chargers in a Brazilian exhibition.
Josh Simmons, the team's first-round pick, is the newly minted left tackle after churning through four starters in the same position one year ago. Kingsley Suamataia has been tasked with replacing All-Pro Joe Thuney, who is now with the Chicago Bears. Trey Smith was given a lucrative contract extension to help lead the much younger unit. Jaylon Moore's presence waiting in the wings gives the Chiefs some security and depth in case things don't go so well at the start of the season.
The Eagles will undoubtedly present the Chiefs with plenty of problems up front once again. Smith is hoping his experience will help him get a quick start on a new team, just in time to try to get the best of the Chiefs once again.