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Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport named Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith a breakout candidate for the 2026 NFL season.
The Philadelphia Eagles are sending some mixed signals on edge rusher Nolan Smith this offseason. While the team exercised the 25-year-old’s fifth-year option, the Eagles also acquired veteran edge rusher Jonathan Greenard from the Minnesota Vikings.
So, Smith appears to still be part of Philadelphia’s future. But the team has also added insurance in case Smith continues to not live up to his previous first-round expectations.
Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport tagged Smith with the dreaded “bust” label on Saturday. But Davenport also named Smith one of six players still on rookies contracts who will go from “bust to breakout” during the 2026 campaign.
“After an injury-marred 2025 season in which Smith was out-performed by Jalyx Hunt, there are questions about Smith’s role with the team this year, especially after the Eagles acquired Jonathan Greenard in a draft-day trade,” wrote Davenport.
“A three-man rotation of Greenard, Smith and Hunt should help keep all three pass-rushers fresh—it’s a staple of the Howie Roseman Eagles. A healthy Smith has the highest ceiling of the trio.
“Smith is going to hit that ceiling (or at least come close), leading the team in sacks on the way to the first Pro Bowl of his career.
“Book it.”
Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers and a variety of other NFL teams. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb