The Philadelphia Eagles are sending some mixed signals on edge rusher Nolan Smith this offseason. While the team exercised the 25-year-old’s fifth-year option, the Eagles also acquired veteran edge rusher Jonathan Greenard from the Minnesota Vikings.
So, Smith appears to still be part of Philadelphia’s future. But the team has also added insurance in case Smith continues to not live up to his previous first-round expectations.
Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport tagged Smith with the dreaded “bust” label on Saturday. But Davenport also named Smith one of six players still on rookies contracts who will go from “bust to breakout” during the 2026 campaign.
“After an injury-marred 2025 season in which Smith was out-performed by Jalyx Hunt, there are questions about Smith’s role with the team this year, especially after the Eagles acquired Jonathan Greenard in a draft-day trade,” wrote Davenport.
“A three-man rotation of Greenard, Smith and Hunt should help keep all three pass-rushers fresh—it’s a staple of the Howie Roseman Eagles. A healthy Smith has the highest ceiling of the trio.
“Smith is going to hit that ceiling (or at least come close), leading the team in sacks on the way to the first Pro Bowl of his career.
“Book it.”
Eagles’ Nolan Smith Called 2026 Breakout Candidate
With his high upside because of his unique physical traits, Smith has been a breakout candidate really since he entered the NFL. But the edge rusher turned in a disappointing 2025 campaign in part because of a torn triceps. The injury was a setback from an ailment that required surgery last offseason.
Some Smith missed five games because of the injury last year.
Even still, some pundits might argue it’s unfair to label Smith a “bust.” He had 6.5 sacks with eight tackles for loss and 11 quarterback hits to help the Eagles win the Super Bowl in 2024.
The team also picked up his fifth-year option. That’s often something that gauges whether or not a first-round selection is a bust.
But even if one doesn’t agree with all of Davenport’s semantics, the BR analyst clearly sees Smith having an even strong 2026 campaign.
With the arrival of Greenard, Smith could play less. But the quality of his snaps could be higher. Him being healthy the entire season would help too.
Philadelphia 2026 Edge Rushing Depth
The Eagles somewhat surprisingly lost Jaelan Phillips during 2026 NFL free agency. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported in early March that Philadelphia was making a strong push to keep the edge rusher.
However, the Carolina Panthers outbid the Eagles with a four-year, $120 million offer to Phillips.
Philadelphia turned to Plan B, which was Greenard. With his arrival, the Eagles will still have the three-man edge rusher rotation Davenport described the team loves.
Interestingly, while Greenard and Smith are trying to bounce back (or break out), Philadelphia’s other top edge rusher, Jalyx Hunt, will be aiming to repeat his 2025 performance. Hunt broke out with a team-high 6.5 sacks during last season.
As Davenport explained, Smith has two years left before he has to sign his next NFL contract. But a breakout 2026 campaign would go a long way toward the edge rusher earning a big payday.
Eagles’ Nolan Smith Pegged to Lose ‘Bust’ Label During 2026 NFL Season