BREAKING: Eagles pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith announces NFL retirement

Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Za’Darius Smith (52) guestures to fans prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn ImagesIt’s been a bumpy couple of weeks for the Philadelphia Eagles, but a curveball that nobody expected is a veteran edge-rusher hanging up the boots a little over a quarter of the way into the season.

Za’Darius Smith took to Instagram on Monday to announce his NFL retirement after a stunning 11-year career that saw him earn three Pro Bowl nods. He ends his NFL chapter with 70.5 sacks, 343 total tackles, 10 forced fumbles, 81 TFL, and 176 QB hits.

Smith…