Za'Darius Smith was back home in Orlando, watching last Thursday's Eagles-Cowboys season opener as a curious observer.
The new defensive end, who is immediately the most experienced Eagles player on that side of the ball entering his 11th NFL season, knew Philadelphia had interest in acquiring his services.
On Friday, the Eagles celebrated the win over Dallas by signing the three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher who has 69 career regular-season sacks and can set the edge with his 6-foot-4, 270-pound frame.
"I just felt comfortable with this team because they lost a veteran leader last year in BG (Brandon Graham)," Smith said following his first practice as an Eagle on Wednesday. "It was a great opportunity, great fit for me to come here and basically do what I do and just help the younger guys."
Smith put the pads on for the first time since January 18, when his former team, the Detroit Lions, were upset in the NFC Divisional Round by the Washington Commanders. The Eagles handled the Commanders the following week to advance to the Super Bowl before beating the Kansas City Chiefs, who happen to be this week's opponent.
"This whole team and the culture, I love everything about it," Smith said. "Hey, they just got a Super Bowl and hopefully we can go get it again. We're just going to take it one week at a time, go 1-0 each and every week.
"I got a lot more left in the tank. I started (playing football) my senior year in high school, so I'm still young in the game. I got a lot more left."
Smith, who just turned 33 on Monday, loves the mindset of his new team.
"Hungry. For a team to win a Super Bowl last year and to come back and be going as hard as they are at practice, it shows a lot," said Smith, who has twice played in the conference championship as a member of the Green Bay Packers. "It shows what type of football team this really is."
Smith spent Wednesday working on gaining chemistry with his fellow defensive linemen when it comes to the pass-rush plan. He said Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio is "sprinkling him" into the scheme initially. He has no expectations for a role come this Sunday.
"I'm just out here to help this team the best way I can. We got a lot of younger guys, so I could be a mentor to them," Smith added. "I'm going to be good. I'm going to be ready to go. You'll see me on Sunday for sure."
