Eagles’ ‘relentless’ new star threatens young defender’s future

PHILADELPHIA —Acquiring Vikings star edge rusher Jonathan Greenard on Friday night for two third-round picks is a major win for the Eagles but potentially bad news for edge rusher Nolan Smith’s future contract prospects with the team.

As part of the deal, the Eagles signed Greenard to a four-year, $100 million extension, including $50 million guaranteed, according to ESPN.

Making a huge investment in Greenard leaves the Eagles with less room to pay Smith. On the Eagles’ contract extension priority list, Smith ranks behind cornerbacks Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell and defensive tackle Jalen Carter, and could slip further if other young players continue to emerge.

The Eagles signed defensive tackle Jordan Davis to a three-year extension in March, and DeJean, Mitchell and Carter are expected to receive big contracts over the next two years. Smith could be the odd man out.

By May 1, the Eagles have to make a decision on Smith’s fifth-year option, which goes into effect in 2027. His projected fifth-year option would cost Philadelphia $15.4 million. Smith would become a free agent after the 2026 season if the Eagles decline his option.

The Eagles could pick up Smith’s fifth-year option and let him play out 2027 before deciding on a long-term extension. But at this point, it seems unlikely that the Eagles would give Greenard a massive contract and later give Smith a big deal of his own.

“No,” Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said on Friday night when asked if Greenard’s acquisition could impact the futures of Smith and third-year edge rusher Jalyx Hunt. “For us going forward, that was a lot of the conversation and a lot of the things we were talking about here in the last couple of weeks. Ensuring that we were still going to have the flexibility to sign our players, our young players on defense.”

Roseman downplayed the impact Greenard could have on Smith’s long-term future, but that’s not a situation he would be direct about. He does not talk openly about players’ contract situations, whether it’s good or bad.

Roseman mentioned that drafting three offensive players on the first two days of the 2026 NFL Draft — USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers and Miami offensive tackle Markel Bell — will help the Eagles get younger on offense and allow them to spend more on defense.

However, the Eagles can’t realistically re-sign all of their young defensive players.

Seven Eagles defensive starters/key rotational defenders are 25 years old or younger — Carter, DeJean, Mitchell, Smith, Hunt, Moro Ojomo, Drew Mukuba and Jihaad Campbell. The 26-and-older group includes All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun, Greenard and Davis, all of whom have received long-term deals.

Roseman won’t be able to pay Smith, Hunt, and Greenard all at the same time and also retain Carter, DeJean, Mitchell, among other young defensive players coming through the pipeline.

Roseman could be forced to choose between Smith and Hunt for a second edge-rusher contract, and right now Hunt has the advantage over Smith. Hunt is the same age (25) as Smith, has been more durable, has displayed more potential as a pass rusher, and also drops back into coverage and makes plays on the ball, including three interceptions last season.

Hunt has the higher ceiling, so if the Eagles end up paying another edge rusher, it would likely be him and not Smith. The Eagles could consider giving Hunt an extension next offseason. He amassed 6.5 sacks last season and could build on that number in 2026.

Smith is a fierce run defender, and having that reputation could help him carve out a long, successful career.

Edge rushers with dynamic pass-rush upside typically get paid more than those who are stronger against the run but lack consistent pass-rush production.

Smith recorded 6.5 sacks in 2024 and finished that year on a hot streak, recording four sacks during the team’s Super Bowl run. So he has shown the ability to get after the quarterback in spurts. He was a key contributor on Philadelphia’s championship defense that pummeled the Chiefs in the team’s Super Bowl LIX victory that year.

If Smith can regain that momentum and make bigger strides as a pass rusher during the 2026 season, he could make a strong case for why the Eagles should prioritize re-signing him in the same way they will with Carter, DeJean, Mitchell and potentially Hunt.

But Smith won’t be able to make that case if he continues to miss time due to injury.

Smith missed five games during the 2025 season due to a triceps injury. He managed three sacks and 33 total pressures in his 12 appearances, which ranked 64th among edge rushers in the league, according to PFF. He previously tore his triceps in Super Bowl LIX, which caused him to miss part of last year’s offseason program.

Smith is not the biggest edge defender at 6-2, 238 pounds, and his physical play style could lead to more injuries.

The Eagles drafted Smith with the 30th pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and so far he has played like a first-rounder in spurts, but he hasn’t been able to put it together consistently and is now entering his fourth NFL season.

Without a clear picture of his ceiling, Smith’s future with the Eagles could be in jeopardy.

Smith’s workload in 2026 could be reduced to rotational snaps, and Greenard, whom the Eagles are very excited about, could be the reason he’s not on the field as much and gets fewer opportunities to prove himself in a bigger role.

“There wasn’t a game of his that we didn’t watch this year,” Roseman said about Greenard. “And what you see is a relentless player. Relentless player with physical tools. He can win in multiple ways. He’s hard to block. I know when we play Minnesota, we are worried about where he is at all times.”

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