Eagles EDGE rusher Za’Darius Smith has abruptly retired from the NFL, making the shocking announcement on Monday
Some thoughts:
** Smith retiring is a blow to an Eagles EDGE group that was already under performing and short on talent. Smith had played well for the team so far and was 3rd in QB pressures despite not playing in Week 1
** Smith was counted to be a veteran leader in an EDGE room that was built around young talent. Losing him as a veteran voice also hurts that room.
** The team’s current group of EDGEs heading into Sunday vs. Minnesota are now Jaylx Hunt, Josh Uche, Azeez Ojulari and Patrick Johnson. Nolan Smith remains on IR. The five players have a combined 1 sack (from Johnson)
** The question now isn’t whether the Eagles make a trade for an EDGE — it is who they trade for and how much they are willing to pay. They might even need multiple moves at the position before the trade deadline.
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