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The Philadelphia Eagles enter the 2026 NFL season with an NFL-most (tied) six Georgia Bulldogs on their roster. The Eagles are expected to get big contributions out of the likes of linebacker Nolan Smith, defensive tackle Jordan Davis, defensive tackle Jalen Carter and linebacker Nakobe Dean.
However, Moe Moton of Bleacher Report predicts that Nolan Smith will be the Eagles' biggest bust this season. Smith is a former first-round pick, so he has high expectations. He delivered on those expectations during the Eagles' Super Bowl run during the 2024-2025 season. Smith posted four sacks and 16 tackles in the postseason as Philadelphia won the Super Bowl in dominant fashion over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Smith's impressive postseason performance came at a price. He suffered a triceps injury, which contributed his down 2025 season where he accumulated three sacks and 31 tackles. Smith is entering his fourth season in the NFL. The Eagles exercised a team option on Smith, which will pay him nearly $14 million in his fifth season.
Smith got more competition this offseason as the Eagles added edge rusher Jonathan Greenard. Philadelphia also returns pass rusher Jalyx Hunt, who had more production 52 tackles and 6 1/2 sacks than Smith in 2025.
"Greenard and Hunt may be far more impactful than Smith on the edge in 2026," Moton wrote. Despite Moton's doubts, we think Smith is positioned to have a better year in 2026.
The Eagles still have a very talented defensive line, so Smith should get plenty of one-on-one pass rushing opportunities. Additionally, Smith has had more time to recover from his triceps injury, which forced him to miss several games in 2025. Availability is a major factor for Smith, who will look to play more snaps in 2026 after playing less than 60% of snaps in each of hist first three seasons in the NFL.
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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Former Georgia star predicted to be Eagles' biggest bust in 2026
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However, Moe Moton of Bleacher Report predicts that Nolan Smith will be the Eagles' biggest bust this season. Smith is a former first-round pick, so he has high expectations. He delivered on those expectations during the Eagles' Super Bowl run during the 2024-2025 season. Smith posted four sacks and 16 tackles in the postseason as Philadelphia won the Super Bowl in dominant fashion over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Smith's impressive postseason performance came at a price. He suffered a triceps injury, which contributed his down 2025 season where he accumulated three sacks and 31 tackles. Smith is entering his fourth season in the NFL. The Eagles exercised a team option on Smith, which will pay him nearly $14 million in his fifth season.
Smith got more competition this offseason as the Eagles added edge rusher Jonathan Greenard. Philadelphia also returns pass rusher Jalyx Hunt, who had more production 52 tackles and 6 1/2 sacks than Smith in 2025.
"Greenard and Hunt may be far more impactful than Smith on the edge in 2026," Moton wrote. Despite Moton's doubts, we think Smith is positioned to have a better year in 2026.
The Eagles still have a very talented defensive line, so Smith should get plenty of one-on-one pass rushing opportunities. Additionally, Smith has had more time to recover from his triceps injury, which forced him to miss several games in 2025. Availability is a major factor for Smith, who will look to play more snaps in 2026 after playing less than 60% of snaps in each of hist first three seasons in the NFL.
Follow UGA Wire on Instagram, Facebook, X or Threads for more Georgia baseball coverage!
This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Former Georgia star predicted to be Eagles' biggest bust in 2026
Continue reading...
