The Philadelphia Eagles have made a major commitment to their defense, picking up the fifth-year option on former Georgia Bulldogs star Nolan Smith. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the option is worth approximately $13.7 million, ensuring Smith remains a key piece of the Eagles' defensive puzzle through the 2027 season.
Smith, selected by Philadelphia in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft after an elite collegiate career at Georgia, has proven to be a valuable contributor over his first three seasons in the league. The 25-year-old edge rusher has racked up 91 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks, showing steady growth and resilience. Despite a triceps injury that slowed him during the 2025 regular season, Smith bounced back to record four sacks in the Eagles' Super Bowl LIX-winning postseason run, adding another championship ring to his collection after winning back-to-back national titles with Georgia in 2021 and 2022.
Smith's college career was nothing short of stellar: 114 total tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks from 2019 to 2022. Now, with his future in Philadelphia secured, the versatile edge rusher is poised to continue developing and making an impact on a defense that values his relentless motor and big-game experience.
The Eagles aren't stopping there. They also exercised the fifth-year option on defensive tackle Jalen Carter, another former Georgia standout. In fact, no NFL team boasts more Georgia Bulldogs on its roster than the Eagles, who currently have six former Dawgs—including Smith, Carter, and newly drafted offensive lineman Micah Morris, selected in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Morris will reunite with Smith and other Georgia alumni in Philadelphia, strengthening the Bulldogs' pipeline to the City of Brotherly Love.
For Eagles fans, locking up Smith is a smart move that blends youth, production, and championship pedigree. As the team looks to defend its Super Bowl title, having a core of former Georgia stars—proven winners at every level—could be the key to sustained success.