Sportsnaut
NFL Week 6 is nearly over, but the Philadelphia Eagles‘ work wrapped up on Thursday after they lost 34-17 to the New York Giants. It handed the Eagles just their second loss of the season. The loss also spelled the end of a three-time Pro Bowler’s run in the City of Brotherly Love.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith has suddenly announced his retirement on Monday.
Smith actually made the announcement himself, via his Instagram page, thanking his coaches, teammates, and teams he’s been a part of.
#Eagles pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith announced on Instagram that he’s retiring. pic.twitter.com/4yhEFoMWO3
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 13, 2025
Smith had appeared in all five of the Eagles’ games thus far, making two starts in the process. He’ll end his brief Eagles career with 10 tackles (3 for loss), 1.5 sacks, and 3 QB hits.
Originally a fourth-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Smith carved out a very impressive career that spanned 11 seasons across six different teams. The 33-year-old ends his career with 70.5 sacks, 26 of which he recorded as a member of the Green Bay Packers across three seasons of play.
Smith’s decision to retire is strictly personal. As The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports, Smith’s decision has nothing to do with the Eagles losing back-to-back games.
Related: NFL Power Rankings 2025: Week-by-Week NFL Evaluations of All 32 Teams
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