Getty

Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Nolan Smith Jr.

It’s an offseason distraction the Philadelphia Eagles could do without — and from an unexpected source.

According to multiple reports, Eagles edge rusher and former 1st-round pick Nolan Smith Jr. was arrested on Friday, May 15, for driving 135 miles per hour in a 70 mile per hour zone in Georgia.

“Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. was arrested May 15 and accused of speeding and reckless driving in Georgia, the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office told ESPN on Wednesday,” ESPN’s Tim McManus wrote on his official X account on Wednesday night. “According to notes taken by a member of the sheriff’s office that night, Smith was clocked going 135 mph in a 70 mph zone on the interstate at 10:41 in the evening, a representative said. Smith made bond and was released shortly after the arrest, the sheriff’s office said, adding that a future court date for Smith has been issued.”

Smith, a Georgia native, won 2 national championships as a star for the University of Georgia in 2021 and 2021 before being selected by the Eagles in the 1st round (No. 30 overall) of the 2023 NFL draft — 1 of 2 Georgia players selected in the 1st round along with NFL All-Pro defensive tackle Jalen Carter at No. 9 overall.

Both Smith and Carter were key pieces of the defense that helped lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl win following the 2024 season.