Za’Darius Smith, a three-time Pro Bowl defensive end, has joined the Philadelphia Eagles following their season-opening win over the Dallas Cowboys. Smith, who watched the game from his home in Orlando, is entering his 11th NFL season and brings significant experience to the Eagles’ defense.
Smith cited the departure of veteran Brandon Graham as one reason he felt comfortable joining Philadelphia. “I just felt comfortable with this team because they lost a veteran leader last year in BG (Brandon Graham),” Smith said after his first practice with the team on Wednesday. “It was a great opportunity, great fit for me to come here and basically do what I do and just help the younger guys.”
The former Detroit Lions player put on pads for the first time since January 18, when Detroit lost to Washington in the NFC Divisional Round. The Eagles went on to defeat Washington and later won the Super Bowl against Kansas City, whom they face again this week.
“This whole team and the culture, I love everything about it,” Smith said. “Hey, they just got a Super Bowl and hopefully we can go get it again. We’re just going to take it one week at a time, go 1-0 each and every week.
“I got a lot more left in the tank. I started (playing football) my senior year in high school, so I’m still young in the game. I got a lot more left.”
Smith turned 33 earlier this week and praised his new teammates’ approach as they prepare for another season following their championship run. “Hungry. For a team to win a Super Bowl last year and to come back and be going as hard as they are at practice, it shows a lot,” said Smith, who previously played in two conference championships with Green Bay.
During Wednesday’s practice session, Smith worked on integrating into Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio’s system alongside other defensive linemen. He noted that Fangio is gradually introducing him into different schemes but did not specify what role he expects for Sunday’s game.
“I’m just out here to help this team the best way I can. We got a lot of younger guys, so I could be a mentor to them,” Smith added. “I’m going to be good. I’m going to be ready to go. You’ll see me on Sunday for sure.”
