Philadelphia, PA — In a stunning turn for the defending champions, Za’Darius Smith has announced his retirement at age 33, barely one month after re-signing with the Philadelphia Eagles
. The decision arrives midseason, just as the team continues to lean on its four-man front and edge pressure to anchor the defense.
According to a statement from his representatives, Smith made the call after careful consideration of long-term health and family priorities. Procedurally, the
Eagles have placed him on the reserve/retired list, formally closing his 2025 campaign and triggering a next-man-up shuffle among the edge rushers.
“I knew this day would come sooner or later, but I didn’t expect it to arrive this quickly,”
Smith said. “Philadelphia believed in me, gave me a locker room I’m proud of, and fans who never quit on their team. I’m leaving the field with gratitude—for my teammates, my coaches, and this organization.”
From a football standpoint, Smith’s midseason exit forces the Eagles to rework their edge rotation, especially on third-down packages where his experience and leverage were central. The coaching staff is expected to expand roles for younger rushers and elevate rotational help from the practice squad to cover his snaps.
Even with a brief post-title stint, Smith’s league footprint remains unmistakable: multiple double-digit sack seasons, tone-setting games against top NFC offenses, and a high-motor style that elevated the standard in the defensive room. His career underscores the fine line between peak performance and the harsh realities of health that pass rushers face—particularly with recurring back and knee concerns.
We have placed Za’Darius Smith on the Reserve/Retired List. pic.twitter.com/O2rxQB2Ggs
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 13, 2025
“I respect his decision,” an Eagles coach said. “We put the person before the production. He leaves with a handshake, a hug, and our best wishes—the door in Philadelphia is always open.”
For NFL fans—especially in Philadelphia—the message is clear: championships matter, but health and family come first. For the Eagles, the mission to defend the crown continues—with a slightly different cast ready to step into the breach.
