Nick Sirianni says the quiet part out loud about Za'Darius Smith, Eagles at EDGE

Nobody was expecting to see anymore rough moments at EDGE for the Philadelphia Eagles, but unfortunately, they are taking a beating at the position.

It all started with Nolan Smith Jr. and Ogbo Okoronkwo being placed on IR with injuries. Smith is expected back sometime in November, while Okoronkwo is out for the rest of the season.

The good news is that the Eagles signed Za'Darius Smith earlier in the season to add more depth to the edge rusher position. Well, he was depth help for five games until he announced his retirement from football after the mini bye from the 34-17 loss to the New York Giants.

Now the Eagles have a massive problem at EDGE with Jalyx Hunt, Josh Uche, Patrick Johnson, and Azeez Ojulari being the only ones on the active roster. The Eagles literally can't afford to take any more hits to a position group that is one of the weakest on the roster.

How the Eagles will be addressing the edge rusher position after Za'Darius Smith's retirement

From the moment Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni came into his press conference, he must have known he was going to be asked about Smith and his feelings on the edge rusher position. Sirianni certainly did, not only being complimentary to Smith but also backing his position group.

"I found out this morning. ...I wish him the best. I really enjoyed having him on this football team. ...As far as my confidence on the guys on the defensive line, a lot of confidence in them."

The four active edge rushers on the Eagles have combined for eight quarterback hits and one sack. That one sack came from Johnson, who just got it against the Giants and was the first of his NFL career.

Not a great look for the position group.

Many believe Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is going to make a move via trade to bring in another edge rusher, even before the news of Smith's retirement. Roseman understands the importance of putting pressure on the quarterback, and with the team having nine sacks in six games, they need to address this issue quickly.

It's no doubt been rough times in Philadelphia for the Eagles, but the team is still at 4-2 and first in the NFC East with the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys losing in Week 6. That gives the Eagles time to fix the edge rusher position and get back to what they are best at: winning.