Eagles' latest signing calls out Big Dom while explaining why he chose Philly over other teams calling

The Philadelphia Eagles bolstered their pass rush last week, signing 32-year-old defensive end Za’Darius Smith to a one-year deal one day after beating the Dallas Cowboys.

Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler, had a handful of offers on the table but ultimately chose Philly and admitted that the Eagles' longtime security guard, Big Dom, played a role in the recruitment process.

“You know, man, I had a lot of teams calling, but I just felt comfortable coming to Philly," Smith said. "I know Ogbo (Okoronkwo), we was together in Cleveland. I talked to him and he was just telling me about the organization, the locker room and the great people that are here. Dom (DiSandro), one of the head guys. Man, I love Dom.

"Just this whole team and this culture, man. I love everything about it. Hey, they just got a Super Bowl and hopefully we can get it again. But we’re just going to take it one week at a time and go 1-0 each and every week.”

Smith spent time with both the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions in 2024, where he posted nine combined sacks and 17 quarterback hits. Before that, Smith played for the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Baltimore Ravens.

Originally a fourth-round pick out of Kentucky by the Ravens back in 2015, Smith has totaled 69 career sacks, 173 QB hits, 85 tackles for loss, and 10 forced fumbles over 140 regular-season games with 96 starts.

Za’Darius Smith is Ready to Compete with His New Teammates

Smith adds some much-needed veteran presence and depth to the Eagles’ edge rusher group as they try to fill the void left by Bryce Huff, Brandon Graham, and Josh Sweat. The Eagles are currently relying on young talent like Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt.

Smith hasn't been in Philly for even a full week, but he can't wait to compete with his new teammates on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

“Yeah, for sure,” Smith said. “I’m ready to go, man. Like I said, this is my first day back. I feel good. Got back in the backfield a couple times. Just been working with the younger guys on the line, us coordinating rushes with each other and basically containing the quarterback. I’m going to be good, I’m going to be ready to go.”