The sudden departure of Eagles’ Za’Darius Smith has left the team’s lineup in a state of alarm. Ross Tucker delivers the best solution for us.

The Eagles' defense just hit an unexpected pothole on the road to contention. You build a game plan, you manage the salary cap, and then life in the NFL throws a retirement party. Suddenly, a position of cautious optimism feels as thin as the ice in a late-season Packers game.

The reality arrived. Veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, the unit's most consistent pass rusher, stunned the team by retiring after just five games. This leaves a massive void. The remaining cast of Jalyx Hunt, Josh Uche, Azeez Ojulari, and Patrick Johnson has combined for a paltry eight quarterback hits and one solitary sack all season. So, something has to give.

A Familiar Face or a Traded Star?

Former NFLer and analyst Ross Tucker delivered a blunt assessment on the WIP Midday Show. He immediately hosed down dreams of a superstar savior arriving via trade. "The point I would make is more than likely any edge guy that they sign, right, that guy is going to be basically a guy like Joshua Uche or Azeez Ojulari with a different name," Tucker stated. "I mean, you're not getting T.J. Watt. You're not getting Myles Garrett." The external options are merely reshuffling the deck chairs.

Tucker did acknowledge one high-profile caveat but quickly poured cold water on the idea. "Now, the only caveat I would point to that, is the Cincinnati Bengals really like to save money," he said, referencing Trey Hendrickson.

"If the Bengals lose the next couple of games, then they absolutely could potentially trade [Trey] Hendrickson. Although he's hurt right now, by the way. I'm doing that game Thursday night. Steelers, Bengals. I don't even know if Hendrickson's going to play," Tucker added. His point for Howie Roseman was clear: don't hold your breath. So, what is the real fix?

Tucker believes the best solution is already on the roster. He passionately endorsed a position change for standout rookie Jihaad Campbell. "I love the idea when Nakobe Dean is back in the mix and getting Jihaad Campbell into the rotation off the edge," Tucker said. "He was a five-star recruit as an edge rusher. He did it his freshman year at Alabama."

Tucker even drew a compelling parallel to a current superstar, noting, "Guess who else moved to off-ball linebacker for a couple years in college? Micah Parsons," he added. However, this isn't a wild, unprecedented idea.

Eagles' In-House Solution

Campbell has already taken 23 edge snaps in true pass-rush sets this year, generating six pressures. His explosive athleticism is undeniable. Meanwhile, the return of Nakobe Dean from injury provides the necessary cover at inside linebacker, making this strategic shift possible.

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has already acknowledged the possibility, offering his typical brief confirmation: "It's possible. He's been getting edge snaps in certain ways we align."

The numbers don't lie. The current edge group isn't getting it done. Campbell represents a high-upside, internal solution that doesn't cost a draft pick or cap space. It’s a bold move, asking a rookie to learn on the fly at a new-old position in the heat of a playoff race. But sometimes the best answer isn't found on the open market; it's found by looking inward and unleashing the talent you already have.

Howie Roseman loves fireworks, but the fuse is already on the roster. Campbell doesn’t cost a second-round pick or $29 million. He costs imagination—and maybe a few extra protein shakes. The trade window closes next month. Howie either has to do his magic before that or rely on Tucker's solution. If the rookie flames out, the next trade window reopens in March. Until then, the answer might just be internal.