Eagles could add former Lions starting pass rusher ahead of training camp

The Philadelphia Eagles could use some extra pass-rushing help ahead of the 2025 NFL season, and the team could look to sign a former Detroit Lions starter.

USA Today's Nick Brinkerhoff lists Philadelphia as a potential landing spot for free agent edge rusher Za'Darius Smith.

"With teams always seeking help off the edge, Smith should have no shortage of options. If he decides to wait for his preferred destination, however, this could drag on," Brinkerhoff wrote.

Smith was released by the Lions in March and has yet to sign with a team as training camp nears. The 32-year-old tallied nine sacks and 66 quarterback pressures in 17 games last season, and proved to be a savvy midseason addition by Detroit at the trade deadline.

The Eagles lost Josh Sweat to the Arizona Cardinals in free agency and Brandon Graham to retirement this offseason. Though they signed Azeez Ojulari to pair with Nolan Smith, Vic Fangio's defense could use another potential starting edge rusher.

Signing Smith would add some more pass-rushing production to Philadelphia's defense and give the unit a rotational veteran piece in the edge rusher room. The three-time Pro Bowler has started 96 games since entering the league in 2015 and has tallied 69 sacks in that span.

With the Eagles still having $30.7 million in cap space, general manager Howie Roseman should sign Smith to a team-friendly deal and upgrade the pass rush for another hopeful Super Bowl run in 2025.

MORE: Lions urged to sign former No.1 overall pick for 2025 NFL season