Eagles ready to unleash most critical defender in years with Za'Darius Smith

If last week was a reminder to the Philadelphia Eagles' fan base, it's how young the defense is and is in desperate need of veteran leadership.

It's one of the biggest reasons Eagles general manager Howie Roseman spent the day after the Eagles' 24-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys, signing edge rusher Za'Darius Smith. The signing is a win-win as the Eagles get a veteran who has played at a high level, while adding in his three Pro Bowls from his resume.

When Smith spoke with the media for the first time, he instantly knew he would be a great fit with the organization, as he could come in and fill the big shoes of a fan favorite, Brandon Graham.

"I just felt comfortable with this team because they lost a veteran leader last year in BG (Brandon Graham)," Smith said via Eagles' Chris McPherson . "It was a great opportunity, great fit for me to come here and basically do what I do and just help the younger guys."

Smith's leadership is needed now more than ever for the Eagles

Jalen Carter's ejection from the Eagles-Cowboys game for spitting on Dallas' quarterback Dak Prescott was all the evidence needed to bring in a veteran. The Eagles have only Zack Baun, Reed Blankenship, and Adoree' Jackson as the only defensive starters who are over the age of 25.

Philly needed a new voice to come in and help out, even if it is discreetly. Smith is the guy who has done it for five teams in his 10 years in the NFL.

There is a sense that things are different this time around for Smith than the previous teams he has been on. He knows this team has Super Bowl aspirations again and can feel it within the whole organization, and is ready to give it everything he's got.

"This whole team and the culture, I love everything about it," Smith said. "Hey, they just got a Super Bowl and hopefully we can go get it again. We're just going to take it one week at a time, go 1-0 each and every week.

I got a lot more left in the tank. I started (playing football) my senior year in high school, so I'm still young in the game. I got a lot more left."

The man with 69 career sacks is looking to add to that total when he makes his Eagles debut on Sunday in a Super Bowl rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs.