Eagles’ Vic Fangio reveals ‘next step’ in Nolan Smith’s growth in 2026

Vic Fangio has a simple ask for Nolan Smith heading into this season, one that has nothing to do with technique or scheme. The Eagles defensive coordinator addressed what he wants to see most from the edge rusher during training camp this week, pointing to health as the missing piece from an otherwise promising skill set.

“Just stay healthy. Nolan’s last year was choppy because he had some injuries to deal with. He missed five or six or seven weeks last year,” Fangio said of the 25-year-old. “I’m very confident. I thought both him and Jalyx had great days yesterday.”

Smith’s 2025 season never got fully on track.

A torn triceps suffered during the Super Bowl lingered into the year, forcing him onto injured reserve in September after he aggravated the injury in Week 3. He did not return until November, ultimately appearing in just 12 games and finishing with 31 tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble, numbers that came despite never playing at full strength.

Fangio’s comments also nodded to the growing competition Smith faces at his own position.

Jalyx Hunt, a third-round pick from 2024, seized his opportunity while Smith was sidelined last season, leading the Eagles with 6.5 sacks while adding three interceptions, including a pick-six, 53 tackles, and two forced fumbles.

That breakout has fueled speculation the Eagles may eventually have to choose between the two edge rushers as Smith’s second contract approaches.

For now, Fangio sounds intent on getting the most out of both. Smith, the No. 30 overall pick in 2023, has flashed the traits that made him a first-round talent when healthy, posting 10.5 sacks across 45 career games and drawing praise for his rare power as a run defender at 6-foot-2 and 238 pounds.

With his fifth-year option already exercised, this season carries real stakes for proving he can stay on the field long enough to justify that investment.

If Smith can put together a full, healthy campaign alongside Hunt, the Eagles’ pass rush could look markedly different than it did during last year’s inconsistent stretch, giving Fangio the kind of edge-rushing duo he has been waiting to fully unleash.

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