Eagles Release Za'Darius Smith, Making Him an Unrestricted Free Agent

The Philadelphia Eagles released edge rusher Za’Darius Smith from their reserve/retired list on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, a transaction that makes him an unrestricted free agent. The move ends Smith’s remaining contractual tie to Philadelphia and allows him to sign with any NFL team if he chooses to return to playing.

Smith announced his retirement in October 2023 after appearing in five games for the Eagles. He recorded 1.5 sacks during that short stint, and the club later placed him on the reserve/retired list.

The transaction report did not indicate whether Smith intends to resume his career. The release simply removes the procedural barrier that would have required Philadelphia to activate or release him before he could join another team.

For the Eagles, the move is primarily administrative: players on the reserve/retired list are not eligible to play and cannot sign elsewhere while their rights remain held by the club. Once released, that restriction no longer applies.

Smith’s career path and production

Smith entered the league as a 2015 fourth-round draft pick of the Baltimore Ravens and spent four seasons in Baltimore. He later joined the Green Bay Packers, where he registered 26 sacks across three seasons.

He also spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions before his brief stop in Philadelphia. Throughout his career, Smith has been used primarily as an edge rusher asked to pressure quarterbacks off the outside.

What the release changes if he returns

Because Smith is now a free agent, any comeback would no longer require an additional roster move from the Eagles. If he decides to play again, he would be able to gauge interest around the league and pursue a new contract on the open market.

For teams looking to add experienced pass-rush depth, the release clarifies Smith’s status and eligibility, even though his plans remain unknown.

Any next step will depend on whether Smith chooses to unretire and re-enter the league, and whether a club offers a role that fits his expectations.