To the surprise of no one, the Philadelphia Eagles finally made a decision on edge rusher Nolan Smith, and it is the decision everyone expected.
ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported that the Eagles will be picking up Smith's fifth-year option on his rookie contract. Smith is expected to get paid $13.7 million for the 2027 season.
Last season was a rough year for Smith, as he missed time due to a torn triceps. He had 31 tackles and three sacks in 2025 with the Eagles.
Nolan Smith is staying on for an extra year with fifth-year option picked up
Despite the down year, Smith has shown great potential to be a consistent starting pass rusher in the NFL. Back in 2024, he had 6.5 sacks, a career high.
The 2026 season is going to be a big one for Smith as the Eagles need him to take a massive step in his development. He will get some help after the trade for Jonathan Greenard, and also have Jalyx Hunt there to help out.
Smith has been a good fit with Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's scheme over the last two years, as he is an athletic defender. The problem last year was his health and his ability to play at a consistent level, with only Jaelan Phillips playing well for the Eagles off the edge in terms of pressures and hurries. Hunt ended up leading the team in sacks with six.
Read more: Howie Roseman says the quiet part most GMs won't say (but Eagles fans know)
Year 4 will really define what kind of defender the Eagles have in Smith and whether he can be a starter in the NFL. If he falls flat on his face with the franchise showing him confidence, the 2027 season could be hard on him if he even stays on the team. Philly needs results from him, and he knows it.
Add us as a preferred source on Google