One of the biggest offseason questions for the Philadelphia Eagles was how they were going to replace one of the top pass rushers, Josh Sweat.
Last year, Sweat led the team in sacks with eight and was second in quarterback hits with 15. He was rewarded with a four-year, $76.4 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals at the beginning of free agency.
With Sweat signed to another team, Brandon Graham retiring, and the Eagles trading Bryce Huff to the San Francisco 49ers, the edge rusher position has some question marks. Well, at least with the media. Eagles fans are secure with a guy who is not flying under the radar in Philadelphia.
The NFL will soon know the greatness of Nolan Smith Jr.
CBS Sports writer Garrett Podell listed one player from each NFC team he sees as a potential under-the-radar star in 2025. Eagles edge rusher Nolan Smith Jr. was on there as he looks to become the franchise's next great pass-rushing machine.
"Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Nolan Smith, the 30th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, got off to a slow start to his NFL career, registering just one sack and no starts as a rookie. In 2024, he started 10 of the 16 games he played and produced 6.5 sacks. Smith then flashed in the 2024 playoffs, co-leading the league in sacks (4) while ranking second in quarterback pressures (19) behind only Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (22)."
"Following edge rusher Josh Sweat's departure to the Arizona Cardinals and edge rusher Brandon Graham's retirement, Smith is an unquestioned starter for the first time entering his third NFL season. He now has a chance to transform from a player with tantalizing potential to a real star in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's scheme in 2025."
Smith was a late first-round pick in 2023 by the Eagles, and he started as a backup for them that year. With Huff and Graham dealing with injuries at different points in the season, Smith took on a bigger role last year as he was behind Sweat in sacks with 6.5. He showed his true potential in the postseason, leading the league in sacks and tackles for loss among playoff teams with four.
Huff's departure might not affect how much playing time Smith has, but it opens the door for him to become the number one pass rusher. Jalyx Hunt could be in line to be the next man up, but Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will lean on Smith to set the example.
The Eagles' defense is filled with young guys under 25 ready to make their mark on the league. Smith may not be a household name, but people in Philadelphia know him and know the type of season he's about to have.
