There are plenty of Philadelphia Eagles players who are feeling the heat in 2026 to play well, but one who might be more than anyone else is edge rusher Nolan Smith Jr.
Last season, Smith missed time with a triceps injury and ended up with just 31 tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble. On top of that, he was arrested during the offseason, shortly after his fifth-year option was picked up on his rookie contract. ESPN NFL analyst Ben Solak shared his one breakout candidate for each team in 2026, with Smith being his Eagles selection.
"The typical breakout name at pass rusher in Philadelphia is Jalyx Hunt, and understandably so. Hunt stayed healthy throughout 2025 and has shown a penchant for timely playmaking over his two years in the pros. But on a snap-by-snap basis, Smith is right there with Hunt. He posted a 16.3% pressure rate to Hunt's 17.3%, and his 4.7% quick pressure rate edged out Hunt's 4.3%. Smith spent last offseason rehabbing from a torn triceps and missed time in the regular season for the same injury, so it's fair to wonder whether he was ever at full strength in 2025.
Smith is a preposterously powerful run defender for his 6-foot-2, 238-pound size, which gives him more viability on early downs than Hunt. Both are good breakout candidates, and it's likely they contribute equally opposite new starter Jonathan Greenard. But I still weigh Smith's rare physical traits a little heavier than Hunt's toolbox."
Nolan Smith Jr. better live up to Ben Solak's glowing recommendation
There's no doubt that Smith can be a great pass rusher in the NFL. In 2024, he came up big when Bryce Huff was injured, producing 6.5 sacks that season, helping the Eagles win the Super Bowl.
The big difference between Smith and Hunt is that Hunt possesses a rare versatility skill set that most edge rushers don't have. Hunt can drop back in pass coverage and create turnovers at a higher rate than Smith, and that was showcased last year, when Hunt led the Eagles in sacks (6.5) and interceptions (three), becoming the first player in franchise history to do that.
Smith is quick off the edge and can get pressure on the quarterback to disrupt the play even if it doesn't end in a sack. According to Pro Football Focus, in 226 pass-rushing snaps, he was still able to get 33 pressures and 24 hurries in 2025.
Training camp is going to be an interesting time for Smith since he has to compete with Hunt for the starting job. The two will most likely rotate heavily, as Greenard should be the number one guy, but whoever starts could end up getting more snaps.
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There is a lot of pressure on Smith to step up in Year 4 and perform well. If he has another season like 2025, he could end up being easy trade bait for the Eagles next offseason.
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