Eagles Land 3-Time Pro Bowl Pass Rusher on Team-Friendly Deal, Star Willingly Takes Pay Cut to Join Philly
Philadelphia, PA – September 6, 2025
The Philadelphia Eagles have added another weapon to their already loaded defense, signing a proven veteran pass rusher just days after the season kicked off. The move is being hailed as one of GM Howie Roseman’s smartest late additions to shore up the front seven.
The contract is structured in a way that protects the team while rewarding performance. With incentives tied to sacks, Pro Bowl honors, and postseason success, the Eagles have ensured that they only pay premium dollars if the player delivers elite production on the field.
This low-risk structure provides Philadelphia with depth, leadership, and a disruptive force off the edge without the heavy financial burden usually tied to top-tier defenders. It’s another example of the Eagles finding value where others may have overlooked it.
By league standards, the deal is considered extremely team-friendly. The one-year contract carries a base salary of just $4.25 million, with incentives that could push the total to $8.25 million if performance goals are met. For a player of his caliber, it’s a bargain.
That willingness to accept a reduced salary is what makes this signing stand out. Rather than holding out for a bigger payday elsewhere, the veteran made it clear he wanted to join Philadelphia’s defense and chase a championship run at Lincoln Financial Field.
The player in question is Za'Darius Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler who recorded nine sacks last season. Speaking on his decision, Smith said: “Money isn’t everything. I wanted to be here, in Philly, with this defense. I’ll take less if it means I get the chance to win it all.”
For Eagles fans, it’s a statement signing. Smith brings energy, experience, and a relentless motor to a defense already built to dominate. With his addition, the Eagles’ path to another Super Bowl push looks even more dangerous for the rest of the NFC.
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