Eagles exercise $13.7M option on former Georgia edge

TL;DR

The Philadelphia Eagles have exercised the fifth-year option on Nolan Smith, worth $13.7 million. Smith, a former Georgia star, has been a key contributor on defense and will remain with the team through 2027.

Key points

Eagles exercise fifth-year option on Nolan Smith
Option worth approximately $13.7 million
Smith has 91 total tackles and 10.5 sacks in NFL
Former Georgia star won national championships in college
Smith will remain with the Eagles until 2027

Philadelphia EaglesGeorgia BulldogsNolan Smith

The Philadelphia Eagles are picking up the fifth-year option for former Georgia Bulldogs star Nolan Smith, per ESPN's Jeremey Fowler. Smith's fifth-year option is worth approximately $13.7 million. Smith was selected by the Eagles in the first-round of the 2023 NFL draft following an elite four-year career at Georgia.

Smith has been an excellent contributor on the Eagles’ defense across the past three seasons. The former Georgia star is credited with 91 total tackles, 10 TFL and 10 1/2 sacks throughout his first three years in the NFL, as Smith will look to shine in Philadelphia over the next two seasons following the announcement. Still just 25 years old, Smith will continue improving over the next few years and the Eagles were able to secure the former Bulldog as a key piece on their defense until 2027.

Smith recorded 114 total tackles, 21 TFL and 11 1/2 sacks at Georgia from 2019-2022. Smith won back-to-back national championships with the Dawgs in 2021 and 2022, as the versatile edge rusher went on to win Super Bowl LIX as a member of the Eagles in 2025. Smith had four sacks in Philadelphia's Super Bowl-winning postseason, but a triceps injury slowed him down during the 2025 NFL regular season.

The Eagles selected former Georgia lineman Micah Morris in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL draft last weekend. Morris will reunite with Smith in Philadelphia next season, as well as with other former Bulldogs who currently play for the Eagles.

Along with Smith, the Eagles exercised the fifth-year option on defensive tackle Jalen Carter. No NFL team has more Georgia Bulldogs on their roster than the Eagles, who have six former Georgia players.

Q&A

What is Nolan Smith's fifth-year option value with the Eagles?

Nolan Smith's fifth-year option with the Philadelphia Eagles is valued at approximately $13.7 million.

How has Nolan Smith performed in his first three NFL seasons?

In his first three NFL seasons, Nolan Smith recorded 91 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks.

What achievements did Nolan Smith have during his college career at Georgia?

Nolan Smith won back-to-back national championships with Georgia in 2021 and 2022 and recorded 114 total tackles and 11.5 sacks during his college career.