Za'Darius Smith steps into a spotlight hotter than a July grill in Philly. He walked into the Philadelphia Eagles' locker room just a few days back. But he's already handed the keys to a kingdom.
It isn't just any stall; this is sacred ground. For fifteen years, that space belonged to Brandon Graham, a city icon whose name is etched in Super Bowl lore and the franchise's record books. It’s like being asked to wear a number retired for a legend. The pressure is immediate, and the message is clear: you’re not just here to play. You’re here to lead.
The Eagles' power move was both symbolic and strategic. After their Week 1 win, general manager Howie Roseman swiftly signed the three-time Pro Bowler. And they didn’t just give Smith a jersey. They gave him Graham’s literal locker and his figurative role.
One behind-the-scenes note: The Eagles gave Za'Darius Smith the locker that had been occupied by Brandon Graham. They even moved Ty Robinson's locker to open that spot for Smith.
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) September 13, 2025
Smith said the Eagles have spoken to him about serving Graham's role in the meeting room. He can… https://t.co/a1OUtITDiz
Smith acknowledged the weight, stating, “I know when I was coming here, they were telling me a lot about BG. They want me to play that role kind of with the young guys, being a leader in the room. I’m all about it. I’m up for it.” The organization is asking him to fill a void left by a man who played a franchise-record 206 games and notched 76.5 sacks. That’s a tall order for any player, even a veteran like Smith. However, this isn’t just about mentorship.
The Eagles' defense, while talented, is strikingly young. The ejection of Jalen Carter in the opener highlighted a need for veteran stability. Smith’s 69 career sacks and proven disruptor ability are desperately needed for a line that failed to record a sack against Dallas. His contract reflects this prove-it mindset.
It's heavily incentivized with bonuses starting at five sacks. The Eagles are betting on his production, but they are investing in his presence.
The Za'Darius Smith Pressure Cooker
Smith’s immediate impact will be measured in Kansas City. His role will likely be situational pass rusher initially, a specialist aimed at confusing Patrick Mahomes. He’s already found a connection with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, comparing his style to a respected former coach.
The Eagles are cautiously ramping up his conditioning, but Smith is confident. “I’m ready to go, man,” he asserted after his first practice. His ability to pressure the quarterback could be the difference in a Super Bowl rematch. Beyond the field, Smith’s embrace of the city’s culture is a promising sign.
He spoke glowingly of the team’s work ethic and the infamous Big Dom DiSandro. “You know, man, I had a lot of teams calling, but I just felt comfortable coming to Philly,” he told NBC Sports Philadelphia. So this isn’t a mercenary here for a paycheck... Rather, it’s a player seeking a legacy. He even appreciated Fangio’s quirky tradition of awarding meatballs to the player of the game.
He jokingly said, “Hopefully I can get a burger next week.” This willingness to buy in is crucial for a locker room that values authenticity above all else. Besides, the ultimate success of this move won’t be found in a single game.
Read more: Nick Sirianni's message on 'death by inches' after Jalen Carter's bizarre act
It will be measured by how the young defensive linemen develop under his guidance and if the unit finds a consistent, fearsome pass rush. Smith represents a bridge between the championship pedigree of Graham’s era and the promising talent of the new guard. And he has been handed a torch. Now, the entire city is watching to see if he can carry it.