Why Did Za'Darius Smith Suddenly Retire Weeks After Signing His New Eagles Deal?

In a move that sent shockwaves through the Philadelphia Eagles organisation and its fanbase, veteran edge rusher Za'Darius Smith announced his immediate retirement from the NFL on 13 October 2025.

The decision came just five games into the season and mere weeks after he signed a one-year deal with the team. While the timing stunned analysts, Smith's reasoning was clear and heartfelt: he is stepping away from the game to protect his long-term health, dedicate time to his community, and, most importantly, be present for his family.

In an emotional Instagram post, Smith reflected on his remarkable path from Greenville, Alabama, to the heights of professional football.

He wrote, 'Who would've thought that a kid from Greenville, AL, with just one year of high school football experience, would go on to play professional football in the NFL for 11 incredible years!'. He continued, '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'.

A Sudden Exit After a Promising Start

Smith had signed with the Eagles just days before their season opener against the Cowboys, and his early contributions were significant. In his five appearances, he recorded 1.5 sacks and 10 total tackles, leading all Eagles edge defenders in quarterback pressures. Although his snap count was modest, accounting for just 38% of defensive plays, his ability to disrupt opposing offences was undeniable. His presence provided a much-needed veteran savvy to the defensive line.

Despite this promising performance, his retirement announcement followed the Eagles' Week 6 loss to the Giants, a game in which he played only 17 snaps. The abrupt nature of his exit has raised questions about whether the physical strain of the game had become too great or if his personal priorities had decisively shifted behind the scenes.

A Career of Impact On and Off the Field

Throughout his announcement, Smith emphasised gratitude for his coaches, teammates, and fans. He highlighted the opportunities football provided him to travel, grow as a person, and give back to others. Citing Luke 12:48, 'For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required', Smith pointed to the principle that will guide his next chapter.

Drafted in the fourth round by the Baltimore Ravens in 2015, Za'Darius Smith carved out a standout 11-year NFL career that included stops in Green Bay, Minnesota, Cleveland, Detroit, and finally Philadelphia. He earned three Pro Bowl selections (2019, 2020, 2022) and was named a second-team All-Pro in 2020. Over his career, Smith recorded 70.5 sacks, 343 total tackles, 16 pass deflections, and 10 forced fumbles, establishing himself as one of the league's most consistent and disruptive defensive players.

What Comes Next for the Eagles

With Smith's sudden departure, the Eagles are left particularly thin at the edge rusher position. The remaining healthy players on the depth chart, Jalyx Hunt, Josh Uche, Azeez Ojulari, and Patrick Johnson, now face immense pressure to step up. The challenge is significant, as Johnson is the only other edge defender on the active roster who has recorded a sack this season.

Philadelphia may be forced to explore options to fill the considerable gap. Smith's exit is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of NFL rosters and the deeply personal decisions that shape them.