Over the next few weeks leading up to training camp, we’ll be counting down the top 25 most important Eagles for the 2026 season.

25. Eli Stowers
24. Marcus Epps
23. Dontayvion Wicks
22. Tyler Steen
21. Moro Ojomo
20. Drew Mukuba
19. Jihaad Campbell
18. Nolan Smith

This is a big year for Nolan Smith.

The 25-year-old is entering his fourth NFL season with a chance to earn a big contract and secure his future. Last year did not go to plan.

Smith was limited to just 12 games in 2025 and had just 3 sacks and 11 QB hits. He missed time on IR with a triceps injury, which he suffered in Super Bowl LIX and flared up during the course of last season. Even though Smith had just 3 sacks last season, his pressure rate of 16.3% was second on the team among defensive linemen behind just Jalyx Hunt at 17.3%.

The production was down last year, but Smith has proven that he can produce in the NFL. Over the course of the final 16 games of the 2024 season (including the playoffs), Smith had 10 1/2 sacks. That included four in the Super Bowl run. The real question is whether or not he can be that productive consistently in his career.

A big part of the answer to that question is Smith’s health. At 6-foot-2, 238 pounds, Smith is an undersized edge rusher, but he certainly doesn’t play like it. Smith isn’t afraid of contact and — while it makes him a fun player to watch — it’s fair to wonder what that means for his longevity in the NFL.

Entering this season, there’s a chance Smith could be the third player in the Eagles’ edge rusher rotation behind Jonathan Greenard and Hunt. But we’ll see how the snaps are sorted out; there’s a chance Smith could still be ahead of Hunt. But that could be determined during training camp.

While this is techincally the final year of Smith’s rookie contract, the Eagles have already picked up his fifth-year option for the 2027 season. That’s a guaranteed sum of just under $14 million. Smith is eligible for a contract extension this offseason, but it probably makes sense for both sides to see how this upcoming season goes.

Smith was healthy and on the field this spring, which was a good sign. But Smith also made the news this offseason for an arrest in Georgia in May when he was charged with speeding and reckless driving. He was reportedly clocked going 135 mph in a 70 mph zone.