Fall Chicken

PHILADELPHIA – Moments into fielding questions from a scrum stationed just outside the entrance of his new locker, it became evident Za’Darius Smith longed to resume his football career. Itching to return to the game he’s played since he was a senior in high school, Smith, on multiple occasions, recited when he was last in pads.

The date he specified was Jan. 14 – though it was actually four days later – when Smith’s Detroit Lions fell to the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional round. Smith, 33, started the game, logging 40 defensive snaps, accounting for 53 percent of the Lions’ total.

There was little doubt he was returning for an 11th season; it was just a question of where.

“I was playing,” Smith said, bearing a wide grin. “For sure. I’m not hanging it up yet. I got a lot more left in the tank. I’ve played football – I started my senior year of high school – so, it’s like I’m still young in the game.”

Inked swiftly to a deal in the wake of the season opener, Smith joins a crowded assortment of pass rushers, a room fronted by upstarts Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt. Upon arrival, the veteran sack artist inherited the notable distinction of being the Eagles’ most accomplished pass rusher, accumulating 69 sacks and 173 quarterback hits over 140 games (96 starts).

His experience should inevitably impart wisdom and perspective on its own, but Za’Darius Smith expressed a willingness to serve as a mentor, offering directives to teammates of consistency while also combating the urge to be consumed with sack totals.

“I always tell [teammates], just don’t worry about that,” he said. “Don’t focus on that. Just go play the game, and the sacks gonna come. So, just keeping them level-headed a little bit.”

Eagles EDGE Za’Darius Smith just arrived and is getting his feet wet but should be a major contributor to the pass rush.

There hasn’t yet been any dialogue regarding Smith’s role, the immediate focus instead centered on getting in the building and getting some movement. Or, as Smith said, to “get my feet wet again.”

One glance at Smith’s resume, which also includes stops in Baltimore, Green Bay, Minnesota and Cleveland, one could surmise that Smith is well-versed in adaptability. He’s had to immerse himself in various schemes and learn the unique dynamics of each locker room over the years.

So, naturally, the need for a proper acclimation wasn’t as pronounced as it might be for someone with a differing NFL path.

For Smith, it was more about getting into a rhythm, back into the flow of things following an extended break from the game. He even admitted being a bit winded initially, during individual drills, before adding that he found his groove in time for the team period of Wednesday afternoon’s session.

The well-traveled Smith nearly signed with the Eagles ahead of Week 1 but instead opted to weigh his opportunities. Smith, who vows there is still plenty of gas in his tank, was understandably in high demand.

Pass rushers, at least those bearing comparable resumes, are especially at a premium this time of the year. In the end, Smith’s decision was influenced by a combination of familiarity, pristine culture and the allure of contributing to a winning organization.

“I had a lot of teams calling,” he said. “But I just felt comfortable with coming to Philly. I know Ogbo [Okronkwo], we was together in Cleveland. And I talked to him, and he was just telling me about the organization, the locker room and the great people here.

“Dom [DiSandro], one of the head guys. I love Dom. But just this whole team, and the culture, I love everything about it. And hey, they just got a Super Bowl, and hopefully we can go get it again. But we just gonna take it one week at a time and go 1-0 each and every week.”

— Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com