The Philadelphia Eagles have officially released veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith from the reserve/retired list, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The transaction, which took place on Wednesday, suggests that the former Pro Bowler is considering a return to professional football if the right situation arises.
Smith, 33, surprised the league last season when he stepped away from the game after playing just five games for the Eagles. Despite the brief stint and subsequent retirement, the pass rusher remains a high-profile name on the market. His release from the reserve/retired list effectively makes him an unrestricted free agent, allowing him to negotiate with any of the 32 NFL franchises immediately.
Throughout his career, Smith has been a consistent force in the backfield. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2019, 2020, and 2022, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses across multiple schemes. Before his short-lived tenure in Philadelphia, Smith spent time with the Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, and Baltimore Ravens.
Teams in need of veteran leadership and pass-rushing depth are expected to monitor Smith’s status closely as the offseason progresses. His return would add a proven playmaker to a free-agent pool that typically thins out at this stage of the calendar.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Sources & Original Reporting