Linebacker Nolan Smith has yet to play a full season as a starter for the Philadelphia Eagles. Last season, he missed five games because of a triceps injury.
But the Eagles haven’t stopped believing in Smith as a potential defensive star. This offseason, Philadelphia exercised the linebacker’s fifth-year option.
Smith appears to be planning to reward his team for their support. And he’s ready to do that right now.
“I had a full year to re-heal,” Smith told reporters Tuesday, via NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Dave Zangaro, “I’m ready to go.”
Smith added Tuesday his health is a main goal for him this fall.
“Making sure I can make it through all 18 [weeks] and making sure my arm’s strong enough,” Smith said. “I’m excited. I got my weight back, got my weight up and just ready to rock and roll.”
Smith posted 31 combined tackles, including one for loss in 12 contests last season. He also had 11 quarterback hits, three sacks and a forced fumble.
Nolan Smith ‘Ready to Rock and Roll’ for Eagles
GettyPhiladelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith delivered a clear message on the upcoming 2026 NFL season.
The Eagles doubled down on Georgia defenders during Smith’s draft class, selecting Bulldogs defensive lineman Jalen Carter and Smith in the first round. Smith went No. 30 overall in large part because of the impressive test results he submitted at the 2023 NFL combine.
That included Smith running a 4.39-second 40-yard dash.
Smith played behind Hassan Reddick as a rookie in 2023. During 2024, he entered the lineup, starting 10 of his 16 games. He posted 6.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss and 11 quarterback hits.
The 2025 campaign, though, was a set back. Statistically, Smith only matched what he did in 2024 in the quarterback hits category. Missing five games was a big reason why.
Smith being healthy entering 2026 is a big step. Due to his size, he still has his doubters. But Smith seems motivated to prove them wrong this fall.
That’s a great thing for the Eagles.
Nolan Smith Not Ready to Change Playing Style
GettyPhiladelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith is entering a pivotal season this fall.
Size isn’t the only potential concern with Smith. His 6-foot-2, 238-pound frame paired with his playing style is what causes some pundits to be alarmed when it comes to the linebacker and injuries.
Smith addressed those concerns Tuesday.
“I do play the game a certain way, and there’s only one way to play this game,” Smith said, via Zangaro. “I’m going to keep putting my best foot forward any way I can.”
That could potentially lead to a shorter career for Smith. Obviously, that’s not ideal for the Eagles.
But Philadelphia might be willing to trade longevity for short-term benefit as long as the linebacker can stay in the lineup every week.
The pressure is on Smith to do that this fall. Smith might have to prove he can be healthy for 17 games in 2026 to get a second contract in Philadelphia.
With his fifth-year option, Smith is signed through 2027. But young starters such as him typically ask for contract extensions before a lame-duck season.
That will be next summer, putting a lot of urgency on Smith performing over a full regular season this fall.
Eagles’ Nolan Smith Fires Clear Message Ahead of Pivotal 2026 NFL Season