Za'Darius Smith: Everything you need to know

Smith was released from the Eagles' reserve/retired list Wednesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Smith surprisingly retired after just five games with the Eagles last season, but he now appears open to playing again in the right situation. The 33-year-old remained an effective pass rusher during his final two NFL seasons, recording 35 total tackles, including 10.5 sacks, and one pass defensed across 22 regular-season games. As a free agent, Smith could draw interest from contending teams seeking depth off the edge.

Smith announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday, Eliot Shorr-Parks of Sports Radio 94 WIP Philadelphia reports. The 33-year-old edge rusher from Kentucky signed with the Eagles in early September and tallied 10 total tackles, including 1.5 sacks, over the team's last five games. However, he's since decided to call it a career. Smith, an 11-year NFL veteran, spent time with the Ravens, Packers, Vikings, Browns, Lions and Eagles throughout his career, recording 70.5 sacks and 11 forced fumbles over 145 regular-season appearances. He made three Pro Bowls from 2019 to 2022 and received second-team All-Pro honors in 2020 with the Packers. With Smith retiring Monday, Azeez Ojulari is likely to play a larger role on Philadelphia's defense moving forward.

The Eagles signed Smith on Friday. Smith was released by the Lions back in March and spent the summer working out on his own. Turning 33 years old next week, Smith appeared in 17 regular-season games (16 starts) with the Browns and Lions last season, finishing with 35 tackles (22 solo), including 9.0 sacks. He gives the Eagles an experienced pass rusher off the edge.