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Eagles Make Roster Decision on Friday After Defeating Dallas Cowboys

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 4:44 PM ET

Coming off winning their second Super Bowl in team history, the Philadelphia Eagles began the 2025 campaign with a huge divisional win against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday. The Eagles did this without Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who was ejected for spitting on Dak Prescott before the first play from scrimmage.

When Carter returns, Philadelphia will have a three-headed monster up front with him, Jordan Davis and Nolan Smith Jr.

While those three are incredible at stopping the run, the Eagles' pass rush is an area they were looking to improve. Head coach Nick Sirianni and Philadelphia did that on Friday, signing another Pro Bowler to add to its stacked defense.

The Eagles signed outside linebacker Za'Darius Smith to a one-year deal worth up to $9 million, according to Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz.

Smith has been an incredible pass rusher throughout his NFL career. In 10 seasons in the league, he has recorded 333 total tackles, 85 tackles for loss and 69 sacks, including a career-high 13.5 sacks with the Green Bay Packers in 2019.

The 6-foot-4, 270-pound defensive behemoth has played for five teams in his professional tenure. That includes splitting last season between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, as he recorded nine sacks in 17 games.

Smith has made three Pro Bowl appearances. He will join Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's dominant front seven, looking to add a Super Bowl to his already impressive NFL resume.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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