Nolan Smith Jr., Philadelphia Eagles Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Nick Sirianni sends strong five-word message on Nolan Smith Jr.'s readiness

Originally posted on Inside the Iggles
By Anthony Miller | Last updated Jun 10, 2025 3:26 PM ET

Last season was a breakout year for the Philadelphia Eagles' edge rusher Nolan Smith Jr. after filling in and replacing the injured Brandon Graham and Bryce Huff, which is now leading to what could be a strong 2025 season.

Smith's head coach, Nick Sirianni, was not shy about expressing his excitement about Smith and his readiness to hit the field after tearing his triceps in the Super Bowl. Before mandatory minicamp began for the Eagles, Sirianni had a strong message about Smith and whether he's ready to go.

“He’s always ready to strike. I love Nolan Smith. He is a tough dude.”

"We have great people in this building and you know it takes everybody. We have great doctors, we have great strength staff, a training staff that helps me know that when he's ready to go, he's ready to go."

Head Coach Nick Sirianni speaks with the media. #FlyEaglesFly https://t.co/046rCvzFRB
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) June 10, 2025

Smith is ready for what could be a monster 2025 season on the field

Last year, Smith racked up 42 tackles, 11 quarterback hits, eight tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble in 16 games. He had a stellar postseason, tying for the NFL lead among playoff teams in tackles for loss and sacks with four. The only blemish was his triceps injury against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, from which he is still recovering.

Entering the 2025 season, Smith is the main guy at edge rusher as he takes over for Josh Sweat, Graham, and Huff, who have all departed. Who he will team up with is another question that will be answered at training camp.

There's no doubt the skill set Smith has is unmatched to anyone on the defense with his high motor and nose for pressuring the quarterback. He's got all the skills to become one of the best edge rushers in the NFL.

2025 is a pivotal season for Smith, and all signs indicate that he is ready for the regular season. Offensive lines will have to watch out for Smith coming off the edge this year.

This article first appeared on Inside the Iggles and was syndicated with permission.

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