Za’Darius Smith is saying goodbye to the Philadelphia Eagles – and to the NFL. After five appearances this season, the edge rusher made a surprise announcement that he was ending his career.

The Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher announced his retirement from the NFL on Instagram on Monday.

“I knew this day would come – but now that it’s here, I feel so many emotions I never expected,” Smith wrote on Instagram.

“Who would have thought that a boy from Greenville, Alabama, with only one year of high school experience would play in the NFL for eleven years! This game has meant the world to me,” Smith continued.

An insider source confirmed to ESPN that the 33-year-old had already informed the team of his decision that morning.

Eagles pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith announced on Instagram that he’s retiring. pic.twitter.com/4yhEFoMWO3

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 13, 2025

Za’Darius Smith ends his career and leaves millions on the table

The Eagles started the season with question marks at the edge rusher position after Brandon Graham ended his career and Josh Sweat left the team. Further setbacks followed with injuries to Nolan Smith Jr. and Ogbo Okoronkwo.

Philadelphia had signed Smith to a one-year, $4.25 million contract after their season-opening win against the Dallas Cowboys. In five games, he had 1.5 sacks, three quarterback hits, and two tackles for loss.

“I’m happy with where I am in life. It’s not just about the money anymore – I just want to play football,” Smith said in September. Now comes the turnaround. The pass rusher ends his career with 70.5 sacks, 176 quarterback hits, and 87 tackles for loss in 145 games for six NFL teams, including the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, and Philadelphia Eagles.