Veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith could be eyeing an NFL return after the Philadelphia Eagles reportedly released him from the reserve/retired list. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2, the move officially removes the contractual restrictions tied to Smith’s retirement and allows the former Pro Bowler to explore opportunities with teams around the league.
Smith originally signed with the Eagles one day after the team’s season opener last year but surprised many around the NFL by announcing his retirement just five weeks later. Now, with Philadelphia relinquishing its rights to the veteran defender, the 33-year-old is free to pursue a comeback if the right situation presents itself.
Although Smith will turn 34 before the start of the regular season, he has remained productive in recent years. As recently as 2024, he recorded nine sacks during a season split between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions. Throughout his prime, Smith established himself as one of the NFL’s most consistent pass rushers, regularly posting double-digit sack totals.
After collecting 18.5 sacks during his first four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, Smith signed with the Green Bay Packers and quickly emerged as one of the league’s top edge defenders. He earned Pro Bowl honors in two of his three seasons in Green Bay, highlighted by a career-best 13.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and 37 quarterback hits in his debut campaign with the team.
Smith followed that performance with another dominant season, posting 12.5 sacks and earning second-team All-Pro recognition. A lingering back injury limited him to just one game in his final season with the Packers, but he bounced back in 2022 with the Minnesota Vikings, registering 10 sacks and securing his third Pro Bowl selection.
The Vikings later traded Smith to Cleveland, where he spent part of the next two seasons before being dealt to the Detroit Lions ahead of the trade deadline. Following his stint in Detroit, Smith remained unsigned during the offseason before unexpectedly retiring shortly after joining Philadelphia.
Now officially released from the Eagles’ reserve/retired list, Smith has the opportunity to restart his NFL career. Several of his former teams could be in the market for additional pass-rush help, making a reunion a possibility as the veteran explores his next move. :::
