Nolan Smith: Everything you need to know

The Eagles exercised Smith's fifth-year option Monday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports. Smith will earn another $13.7 million, guaranteeing his services to the Eagles through 2027. The linebacker is coming off a slightly disappointing season that was spoiled by a lingering triceps injury he originally suffered during training camp. Despite the issue, Smith still started 12 regular-season games, logging 31 tackles (15 solo), including 3.0 sacks. Headed into 2026 healthy, Smith will look to produce a year similar to his 2024 season (42 tackles, including 6.5 sacks), which would help greatly in long-term extension discussions with the organization.

Smith played 12 regular-season games during the 2025 campaign, tallying 31 tackles (15 solo), including 3.0 sacks, and one forced fumble. Smith was sidelined on IR for five games with a triceps injury, leading to a corresponding drop in production. The 2023 first-round pick started all 12 of his games this season, but he played over 50 percent of defensive snaps just eight times. In three years, Smith has accumulated 9.5 sacks over 45 regular-season games. He figures to play a similar rotational role during the final year of his rookie contract in 2026.

Smith secured three tackles, including 1.0 sacks, in Friday's Week 13 loss to the Bears. Smith logged a sack of Caleb Williams early in the third quarter that helped hold Chicago to a three-and-out. Smith added another QB hit and finished with three stops for the second straight game. He has 19 tackles, including 2.0 sacks, through seven contests on the campaign.