Key defender named biggest bust candidate for Philadelphia Eagles in 2026

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images attach

Key defender named biggest bust candidate for Philadelphia Eagles in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

A key defender has been named the biggest bust candidate for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2026.

Moe Moton of Bleacher Report recently predicted every team's biggest bust for the '26 season, and for the Eagles the pick was fourth-year linebacker Nolan Smith Jr.

Nolan Smith Jr. named Eagles biggest bust candidate for 2026​

Moton pointed to Smith's modest production over his first three years in the league combined with Philadelphia's depth at the position as reasons for his selection.

"The Philadelphia Eagles picked up the fifth-year option in Nolan Smith Jr.'s contract, and that may be a mistake. They have another year before that $13.8 million option year kicks in, but the 25-year-old hasn't shown promising signs of meeting heightened expectations that come with a pay raise," Moton wrote.

"In three seasons, Smith has recorded 91 tackles (10 for loss), 10.5 sacks and 33 pressures. For a recent first-rounder, he's posted modest pass-rushing numbers. Moreover, he has started in 22 out of 45 games with defensive snap counts below 58 percent in each of his three seasons. ... [Jonathan] Greenard and [Jalyx] Hunt may be far more impactful than Smith on the edge in 2026."

Interestingly enough, Smith was just named Philadelphia's biggest breakout candidate by ESPN earlier this week.

Clearly, there are going to be a lot of eyes on Smith in 2026. If he turns in a solid season for Philadelphia, he could cement himself as a staple on defense for the Birds. If not, questions will arise regarding his future in Philly.

More Philadelphia Eagles news:

• Anonymous NFL coordinator blasts Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Carter
• Unheralded offensive lineman named Philadelphia Eagles most promising player
• Philadelphia Eagles urged to extend key defender before start of NFL season
• Eagles' Saquon Barkley thinks Nick Sirianni deserves more respect

Continue reading...